UNLV OL Ben Christman died of heart issues

Field Level Media|published: Fri 9th May, 12:37 2025

Team Brutus offensive tackle Ben Christman (71) during the Ohio State Buckeyes football spring game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, April 17, 2021.

The death of UNLV offensive lineman Ben Christman was caused by a heart condition, the coroner's office in Clark County, Nev., said.

Christman was found dead in his off-campus apartment on Feb. 11, the day before his 22nd birthday. The coroner's report said Christman died of cardiac arrhythmia, which is an irregular heartbeat, and cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle.

Christman had complained of chest pains during practice the day before and had an EKG. The team's cardiologist said nothing abnormal was apparent, per media reports.

His body was discovered by teammates who went to his apartment when Christman didn't show up for practice.

A native of the Akron, Ohio, area, Christman spent two seasons with Ohio State, redshirting in 2021 and playing in one game the following season.

He transferred to Kentucky and played 12 games in 2024, then intended to play his final season at UNLV.

When Christman was in high school at Revere High School in Richfield, Ohio, 247Sports listed the 6-foot-6 lineman as a four-star prospect in the 2021 class.

--Field Level Media