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UNI Coach Says Freshman Parker Sutherland Collapsed During Workout Before Death

The head coach disclosed he collapsed during a routine team workout on Thursday, with no medical cause yet determined.

Overview

  • The University of Northern Iowa announced Saturday that tight end Parker Sutherland, 18, died two days after a Thursday incident at a team session.
  • Coach Todd Stepsis said Sutherland collapsed immediately after a warm-up during a standard Thursday morning workout and staff followed emergency protocols.
  • Cedar Falls Fire & Rescue logs show a 7:15 a.m. response to the UNI-Dome for an "unconscious/fainting (non trauma)" call on Thursday.
  • UNI has not released a cause of death at the family's request, and the university says counseling and support services are available to the campus community.
  • An Iowa City native who appeared in four games in 2025, Sutherland is survived by his parents and sister, and a celebration of life is planned for Feb. 22 at Iowa City High's Little Hawk Arena.