American soccer participant Parker Sutherland tragically dies aged 18 days earlier than birthday
The University of Northern Iowa has announced the death of 18-year-old American football player Parker Sutherland, who passed away on Saturday morning
Parker Sutherland tragically died over the weekend(Image: Instagram (@parker.sutherland))
The University of Northern Iowa is mourning the loss of 18-year-old tight end Parker Sutherland. Sutherland, who represented the UNI Panthers in American football, died on Saturday morning (February 14), the institution confirmed.
The first-year student, who appeared in four games throughout the 2025 campaign, tragically passed away just days before celebrating his 19th birthday.
The NCAA programme chose not to disclose the cause of death, honouring the family’s wishes for privacy. The devastating news has profoundly impacted students across the Cedar Falls campus.
The university welcomed almost 10,000 students this academic year, achieving a landmark second milestone, reports the Express.
“It is a heartbreaking day for our Panther Athletics family with the passing of our Parker Sutherland,” stated UNI Director of Athletics Megan Franklin.
“He embraced the opportunity to play Panther football and represent the university through sport. We are devastated. Just devastated.”
Head coach Todd Stepsis described Sutherland as a young man whose impact extended far beyond the field. He conveyed his anguish after learning of the tragic news.
“I’m heartbroken,” Stepsis said. “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 team-mate he was.”
Measuring six feet six inches tall and weighing 221 pounds, Sutherland was a freshman studying exploratory subjects and was starting to establish himself within the Panthers’ attacking unit. The Panthers’ website shows that the tight end appeared in fixtures against Utah Tech, North Dakota, Illinois State, and Murray State.
Throughout his final year at Iowa City High, he earned second-team all-state recognition and was twice awarded all-district and all-conference honours. He also demonstrated his sporting range by taking part in basketball and baseball.
Off the football field, Sutherland reportedly loved video games, films, pickleball, and Lego construction. He leaves behind parents, Adam and Jill Sutherland, and his sister, Georgia.
The family has requested time and privacy as they process what the university called an “unimaginable loss.”
Counselling services are being offered to students, faculty, and staff as the campus community grieves.
