Iowa College Football Player died unexpectedly while on vacation in Florida

The Iowa Central Tritons football community is mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of one of its own.

Ethan Walker, a 20-year-old college football player for Iowa Central, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Jan. 4, while vacationing in Orlando, Florida, with his longtime girlfriend and high school sweetheart, Kenzie, and her family. Ethan was a giant in every sense—a 6’5”, 310-lb offensive lineman for the Iowa Central Tritons, working toward a goal of playing major college football.

According to a GoFundMe created to assist his family, Ethan suffered a sudden medical event during the trip. His passing was unexpected, and no further details regarding the cause of death have been released.

Ethan was joined on the trip by Kenzie and her parents, whom he had grown close to over the years. The fundraiser describes him as a devoted and loving partner who consistently showed care, respect, and support for their daughter, leaving a lasting impression on everyone around him.

The GoFundMe was established to help ease the immense financial burden facing Ethan’s family, including funeral arrangements and transportation costs, as they navigate an unimaginable loss.

Friends, teammates, and loved ones remember Ethan not only as a dedicated athlete, but as a kind-hearted young man whose presence brought warmth and positivity to those around him. His sudden passing has left a deep void within the Iowa Central football program and the many lives he touched.

Ethan’s memory will live on through the love he shared, the relationships he built, and the impact he made both on and off the field.

Rest in Peace Ethan.