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Cincinnati Freshman Offensive Lineman Jeremiah Kelly died unexpectedly at the age of 18 in April last year.
According to ESPN, a coroner’s report said Kelly died of “heart hypertrophy” – a condition in which the muscles of the heart seem.
Kelly’s death was the ultimate shock to his mother, Chinqua, who told ESPN that he was the “healthiest child” and “never had any problems” that grew up.
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A general view in the second half of the NCAA football match between Cincinnati Bearcats and the eastern Kentucky -Oberst at Nippert Stadium. (Mandatory Credit: Carter Skaggs-USa Today Sports)
Despite receiving “somewhat closure” with the coroner’s report, Chiniqua wants her two other sons to see a sports cardiologist.
“It just makes you pay more attention as if there’s something you might be able to save your child,” she told ESPN.
Chinqua said her son was relaxing at home the day before his death and was even wearing a heart monitor while performing physical activity.
A spokesperson for the school told ESPN that Kelly had passed a physical before practicing the team demanded by NCAA – Kelly had been enrolled early in school and practiced this spring.
Cincinnati Bearcat’s helmets on the ground during the game against Tulane Green Wave in the second half at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans on October 30, 2021. (Stephen Lew -usa Today Sports)
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“Cincinnati football program and the athletics department continue to mourn about Jeremiah’s passing,” the team said in a statement. “He’s deeply missed by us all.”
Kelly was part of Avon Eagles football team, who went 16-0 in 2024 and helped deliver the school’s first state championship. Kelly received first-team All-Conference and All-District Honors and was appointed SWC Lineman of the Year as a senior.
As a junior, Kelly helped lead Eagles to a 14-1 record and were teammates with the current Cincinnati who drove back Jakorion Caffey.
A Cincinnati Bearcats helmet sits on the grass during a spring practice at the Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Thursday, March 24, 2022. (IMagn)
Bearcats went 5-7 last season and 3-6 in Big 12. It was Scott Satterfield’s second season as the main coach after Luke Fickell traveled to Wisconsin before the 2023 season.
