Players, coaches share heartfelt responses to the tragic death of Texas LB Jake Ehlinger
On Thursday afternoon, Brian Davis of the Austin American-Statesman reported that Texas linebacker Jake Ehlinger was found dead.
The tragic news devastated the community.
Jake, the 20-year-old younger brother of former Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger, was entering his third season on the Forty Acres. He joined the Longhorns in 2019 as a walk-on under former head coach Tom Herman.
No cause of death was released and police stated that the death was not considered suspicious.
Unfortunately, the Ehlinger family has been struck by tragedy before. Ross Ehlinger passed away in 2013 during a triathlon in San Francisco from a heart attack at age 46.
Both Sam and Jake dreamed of playing for the Longhorns after growing up as season-ticket holders. “Jake was a tremendous person and was everything you could ask for in a student-athlete. Being a Longhorn meant everything to him, and he truly embodied all that it means to be one,” Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian shared.
Our condolences go out to the Ehlinger family during this horrific time. On the next page, numerous players and coaches share their heartfelt thoughts on Jake’s tragic death.
We love you Jake. 💔🤘 pic.twitter.com/Gj1aaxz1tp
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) May 7, 2021
Forever in our hearts 48❤️ pic.twitter.com/s6ZtYl3Mmw
— DeMarvion Overshown (@AGENT0__) May 7, 2021
— Josh Thompson (@given__talent) May 7, 2021
Full statements tonight from Texas AD Chris Del Conte and football coach Steve Sarkisian on the passing of Jake Ehlinger. pic.twitter.com/GKxESMMYIe
— Brian Davis (@BDavisAAS) May 7, 2021
Rest In Peace Jake 🙏🏽🧡 pic.twitter.com/GWfATfuvSs
— Steve Sarkisian (@CoachSark) May 7, 2021
Literally devastated. I love the Ehlinger family like my own. Rest In Peace Jake. You’ll be missed more than you could imagine. #48❤️
— Brandon Jones (@BlessedJones33) May 6, 2021
Prayers up for you and your family man, @sehlinger3. Extremely sorry for your loss. City of Austin is here for y’all.
— Baker Mayfield (@bakermayfield) May 6, 2021
If Sam was the heart and soul of Texas football, Jake was the backbone.
ICYMI from @KVUE at 10: pic.twitter.com/KSlwsBqVMy
— Jake García (@Jake_M_Garcia) May 7, 2021
Completely devastated.
Jake was the happiest person in the room last weekend when Sam was drafted. Rest in Love 48. We will always hang onto your embraces & positive spirit. Love you Jena, Morgan, and Sam. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/aVf21zkm9L— Erik Burkhardt (@ErikBurkhardt) May 7, 2021
I’ve spoken to several UT teammates and roommates of Jake Ehlinger, who police found dead earlier today.
They are visibly shaken and obviously distraught, but spoke highly of him, saying “he loved to make people laugh.”
— Alex Caprariello (@alcaprari23) May 6, 2021
This video ❤️ Even more special than it already was pic.twitter.com/AEgiBOjpXv
— Taylor Gaspar Estes (@TaylorEstes247) May 7, 2021
Our hearts are with those who knew and loved Jake Ehlinger. RIP #48 🤘🧡 pic.twitter.com/qxGIknlgQ0
— El Arroyo (@ElArroyo_ATX) May 7, 2021
My heart is hurting for the Ehlinger family. Praying God gives them strength and comfort as they go through this difficult time🙏🏼 https://t.co/JGv6fDkbl3
— SamuelCosmi (@SamCosmi) May 6, 2021
This is horrible to see. Prayers to the Ehlinger family. https://t.co/OjanBjTf7M
— Creed Humphrey (@creed_humphrey) May 6, 2021
Crushing news this afternoon. Words cannot express the hurt that the Hand family feels for the Ehlingers.
We love you Jena, Sam and Morgen and we pray for a peace that surpasses understanding over you.
Amen. #RIPJake https://t.co/YcgpjJBmV6— Herb Hand (@CoachHand) May 7, 2021
Prayers to the Ehlinger family. There are so many things to say, but at the end of the day it's just prayers right now.
— Burnt Orange Nation (@BON_SBNation) May 6, 2021
48🖤🙏🏼
— JDub🥴 (@Jaredwiley23) May 7, 2021
Heartbroken. Words can’t describe the feeling right now, we love you Jake. Prayers for the amazing Ehlinger family https://t.co/FQpVoD7z2k
— Cade Brewer (@CadeBrew10) May 7, 2021
Heavy hearted right now. Bleeding inside for the Ehlinger family. May you all stay encouraged and strong in prayer. Love you all.
— Stan Drayton (@StanDraytonUT) May 7, 2021
We are heartbroken over the tragic loss of Silver Spur Jake Ehlinger. Our deepest condolences to the Ehlinger family and all those who loved Jake. We will miss him terribly. pic.twitter.com/xzwZv04BqZ
— BEVO XV (@TexasMascot) May 7, 2021
Jake brought joy and perspective to our group and put a smile on our faces everyday. Rest easy young man. 💔 pic.twitter.com/NzDznJNfGL
— Jeff Choate (@CoachChoateUT) May 7, 2021
Hold on tight to the people you love!!!
— Malik Jefferson (@malikjefferson) May 6, 2021
— Justin Wells (@justinwells2424) May 6, 2021
Praying for you bro 🙏🏼 @sehlinger3
— Sam Howell (@Sam7Howell) May 6, 2021
My heart is broken for Sam and the family. Prayers to the Ehlinger’s during this horrible time 💔 https://t.co/fLE5AzEPpN
— Will Stein (@CoachWillStein) May 6, 2021
Words can only do so much. My deepest condolences to @sehlinger3 and his family.
— Chris Warren III (@ScorealldayCW25) May 7, 2021
Terrible terrible news. The Ehlinger family has been through so much. Don't even know what to say. Speechless. #HookEm https://t.co/UMaFanJQl7
— Dustin McComas (@DMcComasOB) May 6, 2021
Thoughts and prayers with the Ehlinger family. Beyond tragic what has happened to that family.
— Tarik D. LaCour (@realscientistic) May 6, 2021
One tragedy after another reminds us that time is not promised but the Ehlingers needed no additional reminders. Gutted for Sam, Jena, Morgen and everyone who feels the tragic loss of Jake. A heartbreaking day.
— Ande Wall (@AndeWall) May 7, 2021
Just devastated for the Ehlinger family. Just praying for God's peace and love on them now.
Psalms 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.— Bob Ballou (@BobBallouSports) May 6, 2021
Sam Ehlinger already lost his dad. Now his younger brother. Can't even imagine the pain that family is dealing with right now, just a few days after they were all celebrating Sam getting drafted by the Colts. https://t.co/RmP1J9bbyj
— Nick Moyle (@NRMoyle) May 6, 2021
