Akron, Ohio: Ben Christman, a 21-year-old UNLV senior offensive lineman, passed away in an off-campus apartment on Tuesday morning, February 11, 2025.
His parents, Brian and Karen Christman, and two siblings, Thomas and Brooks, mourn the tragic loss. Clark County Coroner’s Office will release his death cause after some investigation.
Highlights
- Ben Christman transferred to UNLV in December 2024, where he passed away in an off-campus apartment on February 11, 2025.
- His parents, Brian and Karen Christman, raised him alongside his two brothers, Thomas and Brooks, in Akron, Ohio.
- He credited his family and expressed gratitude for their guidance and encouragement, which had shaped him into a better person and athlete.
Ben began playing football at Ohio State, where he was a redshirt in his freshman season and appeared in a game for the Buckeyes in 2022.
Later, he transferred to Kentucky because of the people and culture. However, his knee injury kept him from playing in 2023, but he made a strong comeback in 2024 and contributed significantly on special teams.
Similarly, Ben transferred to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in December 2024, quickly creating a difference for the UNLV Rebels.
Unfortunately, UNLV announced his tragic demise, and his death cause is still under investigation. He was renowned for his dedication and positive influence on his teammates.
His untimely demise deeply affected the UNLV football community and everyone who knew him.
Our team’s heart is broken to hear of Ben’s passing. Since the day Ben set foot on our campus a month ago, he made the Rebels a better program. Ben was an easy choice for our Leadership Committee as he had earned the immediate respect, admiration and friendship of all his teammates. Our prayers go out to his family and all who knew him. Ben made the world a better place and he will be missed.
UNLV Head Coach Dan Mullen
Ben Christman’s Siblings Specific Details Are Limited As They Lived Low-Profile Lifestyle
Ben Christman’s parents, Brian and Karen Christman, raised him alongside his two siblings, Thomas and Brooks, in Akron, Ohio.
The Christman family has been deeply affected by his untimely tragic demise, and they are mourning the loss of their beloved son and brother.
The offensive lineman was known for his close relationship with his family; multiple sources mention his siblings as part of his immediate family.
Similarly, his parents have always supported his professional and personal life. He often expressed gratitude for their guidance and encouragement, which shaped him into a better person and athlete.
Although the Christman family shared a close bond, they preferred a low-profile lifestyle. His siblings are part of his close-knit family, but specific details about them are limited.
However, Ben always spoke about his family’s influence on his life and credited them for their strong work ethic and determination.
In 2019, he expressed his gratitude to his parents for their support, and his favorite family recipe, Shepherd’s Pie, reflects the close bond he shared within the family.
Moreover, his parents and siblings were there to support him when he suffered a torn ACL during the 2023 season. They prepared him mentally and physically for his 2024 season.
We are all at a loss right now hearing about the passing of Ben Christman. He was a player who came in every day and went to work. He was tough as nails on the field but off the field he was a gentle and kind soul. He was loved by all of us and our prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.
Mark Stoops
Unfortunately, Ben’s life was cut short, leaving his parents and siblings heartbroken. His physical presence is absent, but undoubtedly, his influence remains and shines brightly in the lives of his family and friends.
Nonetheless, the Christman family will soon announce his funeral services, and instead of flowers, they might raise donations to honor his legacy.
Rest In Peace, Ben Christman.
Additional Information
- Ben Christman graduated with a degree in communication in December 2024 from the University of Kentucky.
- He was a multi-sport athlete and excelled in basketball and track & field.
- His teammates nicknamed him “Big Ben,” and he dreamed of becoming a coach or working in player personnel.
