CINCINNATI — Avon-native and University of Cincinnati freshman football player Jeremiah Kelly died unexpectedly Tuesday morning in his residence, the university confirmed in a press release.

"The Bearcats football family is heartbroken by the sudden loss of this outstanding young man," Head Coach Scott Satterfield in the release. "In the short time Jeremiah has spent with our team, he has made a real impact, both on the field and in our locker room. My prayers are with the Kelly family and those who had the pleasure of knowing Jeremiah."

Kelly was an Avon High School graduate, helping the team earn its first state championship last year with a 16-0 record. The university said he was named the SWC Lineman of the Year his senior year and earned first-team all-conference and all-district honors.

Director of Athletics John Cunningham said they’ve suffered a heartbreaking loss.

"All of us at UC send our love and prayers to the Kelly family and we will do everything that we can to support them and our Bearcats student-athletes in the difficult days and weeks ahead," he said.