Jeremiah Kelly, an 18-year-old freshman offensive lineman for the Cincinnati Bearcats, died unexpectedly in April due to cardiac hypertrophy, a condition where the heart’s muscles thicken. His mother, Chiniqua Kelly, expressed deep sorrow and uncertainty, stating that her son was the healthiest child she had ever known. The coroner’s report confirmed his death, but Chiniqua remains troubled by the circumstances, urging her other sons to see a sports cardiologist as a precautionary measure.
Despite receiving ‘some closure’ with the coron’ter’s report, Chiniqua wants her two other sons to see a sports cardiologist. ‘It just makes you want to be more aware, like if there’s something that you can possibly save your child from,’ she told ESPN. Chiniqua said her son was relaxing at home the day before his death and was even wearing a heart monitor while doing physical activity.
A spokesperson for the school told ESPN that Kelly had passed a physical before practicing with the team, which was required by the NCAA – Kelly had been enrolled early at the school and was practicing in the spring. ‘The Cincinnati football program and athletics department continue to mourn Jeremiah’s passing,’ the team said in a statement. ‘He is deeply missed by all of us.’
Kelly was part of the Avon Eagles football team that went 16-0 in 2024 and helped deliver the school’s first state championship. Kelly received first-team all-conference and all-district honors and was named SWC lineman of the year as a senior. As a junior, Kelly helped lead the Eagles to a 14-1 record and was teammates with current Cincinnati running back Jakorion Caffey.
The Bearcats went 5-7 last season and 3-6 in the Big 12. It was Scott Satterfield’s second season as head coach after Luke Fickell left for Wisconsin prior to the 2023 season.