College football player Parker Sunderland dies at 18

Parker Sunderland, a college football player for the Northern Iowa Panthers, has passed away at age 18, just 10 days before celebrating his 19th birthday.

The University of Northern Iowa announced the devastating news, mourning his loss. He passed away on Saturday morning.

According to the Des Moines Register, first responders were called to a UNI athletics facility because of an “unconscious/fainting (non-trauma)” report, but it’s unclear if the call was related to Sunderland.

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A cause of death was not revealed out of respect for his family.

“It is a heartbreaking day for our Panther Athletics family with the passing of our Parker Sutherland. He embraced the opportunity to play Panther football and represent the University through sport,” said UNI Director of Athletics Megan Franklin. “We are devastated – just devastated. The blessing is that we have a Panther family who will hold the Sutherland family, our football team, and our athletics staff close as we grieve.”

Sunderland appeared in four games at tight end for the Panthers during his freshman season.

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“I’m heartbroken,” said UNI head coach Todd Stepsis. “No words can express my condolences to Adam, Jill, and Georgia. Parker embodied everything we look for in a UNI Football Panther. His talent and potential excited us on a daily basis, but it failed to compare to the type of person and teammate he was.

“His character, humility, toughness, and genuine love of others are what champions are made of. While I’m saddened that our time together was short, we will celebrate the bright light that he brought to our football team for the rest of our lives.”

Our deepest condolences go out to Sunderland’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult and tragic time.

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