CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — Parker Sutherland, 18, a freshman tight end at the University of Northern Iowa, died Saturday after collapsing during a warm-up at practice on Thursday, the university said.First responders were called to the UNI Dome at 7:15 a.m. Thursday, according to a call log on the city’s website. Two days later, the university announced Sutherland’s death. No cause of death has been announced.
Sutherland is an Iowa City native who played in four games at tight end for the Panthers last fall. He is survived by his parents, Adam and Jill Sutherland, and a sister, Georgia.
Todd Stepsis, UNI’s head football coach, held a press conference Monday. “It’s been tough. It’s been a tough couple of days for the team, for our community, for our family, for obviously Parker’s family, but we’re just… we’re crushed,” he said.
“He was going to put his heart on his sleeve and put himself out there to make somebody feel good. to help somebody else out,” Stepsis added, “When you have passion that flows through you, you affect everybody in a really positive way and, man, that dude he lived with passion. ”
Iowa City High will hold a celebration of life on Feb. 22.
‘We’re crushed’: UNI football coach Todd Stepsis speaks publicly about Parker Sutherland’s death
