College football player Reed Ryan, 22, tragically dies after suffering a cardiac arrest following a team workout... as family say defensive end passed away 'doing what he loved'

University of Minnesota Duluth football player Reed Ryan has died at the age of 22 after collapsing during a workout, his family have announced.

Reed - a 6ft 3in, 241-pound defensive end - was training in a weight room on November 21 when he suddenly went into a cardiac arrest. After school officials regained his pulse and he was rushed to the ICU, he tragically passed away a week later.

In an obituary written by his family members, the UMD star was said to have died 'doing what he loved'.

'This was the result of an undetected genetic heart condition and a large, loving heart,' it continued. 'The athletic training team was tremendous in their efforts to immediately initiate CPR and regain his pulse.

'The ICU hospital staff at St. Mary's-Duluth were amazing in doing everything possible for him.'

Reed graduated from Waunakee High School in 2019 after being State of Wisconsin Defensive Player of the Year, before accepting a full-ride to North Dakota State University.

After four seasons in North Dakota he transferred to University of Minnesota Duluth, where he logged eight total tackles and one sack in his one season with the Bulldogs.

The family's obituary added: 'Reed had a contagious smile and lived life to the fullest in his short years. Reed loved people, he could talk to anyone and prided himself on being surrounded by friends, family, mentors, and being part of a team.'

UMD also paid tribute to Reed, describing him as having 'genuine care for the people around him'. 

'Our staff and players are devastated about Reed's passing,' said head football coach Curt Wiese. 'Reed aspired to be better every day at whatever task was at hand. 

'He helped bring out the best in others with his positive attitude, infectious smile, and genuine care for the people around him. 

'We were fortunate to have Reed on our team, and he made our program, our department, and our community a better place in a short period of time. 

'Reed will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on forever. He was the epitome of a UMD Bulldog, and what we can all aspire to be. To his family, thank you for allowing us to be part of his inspiring young life. Reed was a Bulldog through and through.'

Reed had agreed to donate several organs before his passing and will contribute towards the NCAA's research study to help prevent similar fatalities from happening to other athletes.