Jeremy Michael, a 20-year-old college football defensive lineman at Muskingum University, has died after suddenly collapsing on campus during a pick-up basketball game; school officials said he died “from natural causes” while an official cause has not been publicly released.
- Age: 20
- School: Muskingum University, sophomore
- Position: Defensive lineman
- Incident: Collapsed during a pick-up basketball game on campus
- Cause: Muskingum said he died “from natural causes”; no official medical report released
- Fundraiser: GoFundMe has raised about $38,000 to help his mother with funeral costs
The Legacy
Jeremy was a highly regarded young athlete whose presence quickly made an impression at every level he played. Top highlights of his short but impactful life in sports include:
- Muskingum University defensive lineman and sophomore contributor to the football program.
- 2024 graduate of North Ridgeville High School, where he starred on the football field and as a track athlete.
- Student majoring in Sports Communications who teammates, coaches and classmates described as always smiling and uplifting others.
Social Proof: Tributes and Reaction
Tributes poured in from his college, hometown and coaches. Muskingum released a campus statement saying, “Jeremy’s presence touched many across our campus community.” Head coach Matt Nardo posted on social media: “My heart aches for his family. Last night our football family lost a brother. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. He will always be with us! Family over everything!”
North Ridgeville High School also paid tribute, noting: “Jeremy passed unexpectedly this week. Jeremy played football and ran track while at North Ridgeville High School and always had a smile on his face. He was loved by his teammates, coaches and classmates and he was proud to be a Ranger! Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
North Ridgeville football coach Bryan Morgan remembered him as a constant source of joy: “All I remember is the smile he would have on his face at practice, participating in school and everywhere. He was one of those guys who not only would have a smile but put a smile on everyone else’s face, as well.”
A GoFundMe has been set up to help Jeremy’s mother, Heather Gibson, with funeral expenses and had raised roughly $38,000 at the time of reporting.
For friends, teammates and the wider college football community, Jeremy’s sudden death is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly life can change. Schools and teammates have asked for privacy for the family as they make arrangements and grieve their son, teammate and friend.
Image Referance: https://www.the-sun.com/sport/15646873/jeremy-michael-dead-muskingum-university-collapse/