Iowa City High Grad and Northern Iowa Football Player Dies Unexpectedly

The University of Northern Iowa community is mourning the loss of one of its student-athletes who died suddenly over the weekend.

UNI Football Player Passes Away

The University of Northern Iowa reports that football player Parker Sutherland passed away on Saturday morning. The native of Iowa City played in four games as a tight end during his freshman season in Cedar Falls. He was a second-team all-state selection as a senior at Iowa City High, where he also excelled at basketball and baseball.

A Heartbreaking Loss

UNI Athletic Director Megan Franklin said in a statement that "it is a heartbreaking day for our Panther Athletics family with the passing of our Parker Sutherland. We are devastated - just devastated."

UNI Football coach Todd Stepsis said of Sutherland, "His talent and potential excited us on a daily basis, but it failed to compare to the type of person and teammate he was.  His character, humility, toughness, and genuine love of others are what champions are made of."

No Official Cause of Death

No official cause of death has been released, but KCRG reports that the Iowa City High principal told students and families that Sutherland died from a medical episode.

Parker Sutherland is survived by his parents, Adam and Jill Sutherland, and a sister, Georgia. Counseling services are being made available to all UNI staff and students.