Northern Iowa freshman tight finish Parker Sutherland died Saturday morning at age 18, the varsity introduced. A reason for loss of life was not launched, although the UNI officers confirmed to the Des Moines Register that Cedar Falls Fireplace and Rescue had responded to an athletic facility on Thursday. A name log for the division exhibits a response at 7:15 a.m. for a report of a non-traumatic unconscious or fainting particular person on the UNI Dome.

Sutherland, an Iowa Metropolis native, appeared in 4 video games for the Panthers throughout the 2025 season.

“I am heartbroken,” UNI coach Todd Stepsis stated in a launch. “No phrases can categorical my condolences to Adam, Jill and Georgia (his dad and mom and sister). Parker embodied all the things we search for in a UNI soccer Panther. His expertise and potential excited us each day, however it failed to check to the kind of particular person and teammate he was. His character, humility, toughness and real love of others are what champions are product of. Whereas I am saddened that our time collectively was quick, we’ll rejoice the intense mild that he delivered to our soccer group for the remainder of our lives.”

Sutherland was a second-team all-state choice as a senior at Iowa Metropolis Excessive College in 2024. He additionally performed basketball and baseball.

“It’s a heartbreaking day for our Panther Athletics household with the passing of our Parker Sutherland,” UNI athletics director Megan Franklin stated in a launch. “We’re devastated — simply devastated. The blessing is that now we have a Panther household who will maintain the Sutherland household, our soccer group and our athletics employees shut as we grieve.”

UNI is scheduled to start out the 2026 season at Jap Washington on Sept. 5.