College Football Player, 20, Dies ‘Unexpectedly’ While on Vacation with His Longtime Girlfriend in Florida

A college football player for the Iowa Central Tritons died unexpectedly while on vacation with his girlfriend’s family.

Ethan Walker, 20, tragically died on Sunday, Jan. 4 during a trip to Orlando, Fl., with his “longtime girlfriend and high school sweetheart” Kenzie, according to a GoFundMe set up to support his family with the “immense” financial burden of funeral and transportation expenses.

The couple was accompanied by Kenzie’s parents, “whom Ethan had become very close with over the years, having been such a loving and devoted partner who honored their daughter with every action,” per the GoFundMe.

A cause of death was not made known, but the fundraiser page says Walker suffered “a sudden medical event” during the trip.

His mother Sara, stepbrother Jeff and older brother Jordan “remain in Florida to navigate the agonizing process of bringing him home,” according to the GoFundMe. Walker’s biological father John and younger brother Luke, as well as his grandparents, “wait in Iowa with heavy hearts to say their final goodbyes.”

The GoFundMe hopes to raise enough money to support his mother’s wish, “to remain by his side so they can make that final flight home to Grinnell together.”

Walker was a 6-foot-5 offensive lineman for the Iowa Central Tritons and his family said he was “working toward a goal of playing major college football” before his death. “But as much as he was known for his strength on the field, he was defined by his giant heart for his family, his friends, his faith, and his community,” the page read.

The GoFundMe page explained that donations will help support covering “transportation and specialized care required to bring Ethan home from Florida, emergency travel and lodging for the family, and the funeral services in Iowa.”

“Ethan was a teammate to so many in so many ways, and we want to ensure he receives the farewell he deserves and a lasting legacy that reflects the impact he had on us all,” the page read.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 14 in Grinnell, Iowa.