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Northern Iowa Confirms Death of Freshman Tight End Parker Sutherland

Officials have not released a cause of death at the family's request.

Overview

  • The university said the Iowa City native died Saturday morning at age 18, days before his 19th birthday on Feb. 24.
  • Cedar Falls Fire & Rescue responded Thursday to a UNI athletics facility for a reported "unconscious/fainting (non-trauma)," according to call logs.
  • UNI has not disclosed the circumstances, and reports alleging a collapse during a workout or other scenarios remain unconfirmed by the school or family.
  • Head coach Todd Stepsis and athletics director Megan Franklin issued statements mourning Sutherland and noted campus support services for students and staff.
  • Sutherland appeared in four games as a freshman in 2025 and is survived by his parents, Adam and Jill, and his sister, Georgia.