Ben Siegfried, a former college football player and an athletic trainer for the St. Louis BattleHawks and D.C. Defenders of the XFL, passed away on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at the age of 22. His death shocked the XFL community and left many questions unanswered. Here is what we know so far about Ben Siegfried’s cause of death and his life.
Contents
The XFL’s Statement
The XFL announced Ben Siegfried’s death on Friday, March 17, 2023, in a statement that read:
The XFL family mourns the loss of our teammate, Ben Siegfried, who passed away last evening. Ben, a graduate student athletic trainer from Lebanon Valley College working with the XFL Athletic Training Department, was an integral part of preparing our BattleHawks and Defenders for the season.
His infectious smile in the locker room and passion for his work will be deeply missed by all the players and staff who had the opportunity to work with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
The statement did not reveal the cause of Ben Siegfried’s death or any other details about the circumstances of his passing. However, according to FOX 2 St. Louis1, he died at the team hotel.
The Rock’s Tribute
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the co-owner of the XFL, also expressed his condolences to Ben Siegfried’s family and friends on Twitter. He wrote:
So so sorry to hear this devastating news come in earlier today. Sending strength, love, light, and mana to the Siegfried family during this heartbreaking time. We are with you. Stay strong.
Johnson also shared a photo of Ben Siegfried smiling with his colleagues in the locker room.
Ben Siegfried’s Football Career
Ben Siegfried was a defensive tackle at Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania from 2018 to 2021. He graduated from the Conrad School of Science in Delaware in 2017. He was a three-sport athlete in high school, playing football, basketball, and lacrosse.
At Lebanon Valley College, he played in 10 games during his senior year and recorded 17 tackles and half a sack. He also earned a spot on the MAC Academic Honor Roll for his academic achievements.
After graduating from college, he pursued a master’s degree in athletic training and joined the XFL as an athletic trainer for the St. Louis BattleHawks and D.C. Defenders. He was responsible for preparing the players for the season and providing them with medical care.
Ben Siegfried’s Legacy
Ben Siegfried was remembered by his former teammates, coaches, friends, and fans as a hard-working, kind-hearted, and cheerful person who loved football and helping others. He had a positive impact on everyone he met and left behind a legacy of excellence and compassion.
His former college coach Joe Buehler said:
Ben was one of those guys that you just loved being around. He always had a smile on his face and was always willing to do whatever it took to help the team. He was a great player, a great student, and a great person. He will be greatly missed by all of us.
His former college teammate Tyler Hodges said:
Ben was more than just a teammate to me. He was a brother, a mentor, and a friend. He always pushed me to be better on and off the field. He always had my back and I had his. He was one of the best people I ever met and I’m honored to have played with him.
His former high school coach Greg Mitchell said:
Ben was a leader on our team and in our school. He was a role model for our younger players and a respected member of our community. He was always respectful, humble, and gracious. He had a bright future ahead of him and I’m proud of everything he accomplished.
Ben Siegfried’s death is a tragic loss for the XFL and the football world. His family has requested privacy during this difficult time. No funeral arrangements have been announced yet.
We hope that this article has provided you with some information about Ben Siegfried’s cause of death and his life. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. Thank you for reading.
