Former Ohio State offensive lineman Ben Christman, who was found dead last Tuesday at his off-campus apartment at UNLV, passed away in his sleep due to natural causes, according to his obituary on Akron’s Hummel Funeral Home website. The obituary did not provide specifics on what the natural causes were.
Christman, who died just one day before his 22nd birthday was described in his obituary as someone who’s life was one of “boundless energy, passion and a deep love of sport and its core principles.” They also said that he was “known for his strength, determination and larger than life presence,” which earned him the nickname “Big Ben.”
Christman, an Akron native and standout offensive lineman at Richfield (Ohio) Revere High School, played two seasons with Ohio State from 2021-22 before transferring to Kentucky in 2023. He played 12 games across two seasons for the Wildcats from 2023-24 before transferring to UNLV this offseason with two years of collegiate eligibility remaining.
Christman is survived by his parents, Karen Perry Christman and Brian Thomas Christman, his younger brothers, Thomas and Brooks and grandparents Paul and Kathleen Perry, Judy Christman, and the late Gary Christman, among others.
A memorial service is scheduled for Christman on Friday from 10-11 a.m.
