Former college football player and XFL trainer Ben Siegfried died suddenly on Thursday aged 22, the league announced.
The cause of death has not been released.
The league said that the Lebanon Valley College graduate student “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.”
On Friday, the XFL and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson sent their condolences to Siegfried’s family and friends.
“The XFL family mourns the loss of our teammate, Ben Siegfried, who passed away last evening,” the league said.
“Ben, a graduate student athletic trainer from Lebanon Valley College working with the XFL Athletic Training Department,” the league added.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson 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.”
According to FOX 2 St. Louis, Siegfried was found dead at the team hotel.
The Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania, where Siegfried was a defensive tackle, released a statement on his passing:
“LVC is saddened to learn that Ben Siegfried ’22, M’23 has passed away. A @LVCFootball DT, Ben was finishing his master’s degree in athletic training and was doing his clinical training with the XFL. Please keep Ben’s family, loved ones, and friends in your thoughts and prayers,” the school tweeted.
Siegfried received a sportsmanship award while at Lebanon Valley College in 2021.
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