Northern Iowa TE Parker Sutherland dies at 19

Details surrounding the tragic death of the promising young athlete remain unclear

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Northern Iowa tight end Parker Sutherland, an 18-year-old Iowa City native entering his sophomore season, has tragically passed away. A cause of death has not yet been announced, but emergency services were called to the football complex on Thursday for an "unconscious/fainting/non trauma" incident. Sutherland was a standout high school player who earned multiple all-conference and all-state honors.

Why it matters

The death of a young athlete is always devastating for the community, teammates, and loved ones. Sutherland was described as embodying everything the UNI football program looks for in a player, with his talent, character, and leadership. His passing is a major loss for the university and the sport.

The details

Sutherland appeared in four games as a UNI freshman after an impressive high school career at Iowa City High, where he earned All-District, All-Conference, and second-team All-State honors. According to his UNI bio, he had a sister named Georgia and enjoyed video games, movies, pickleball, and Legos.

  • On Thursday afternoon, Cedar Falls public safety, fire, and emergency medical services rushed to the UNI football complex under the reasoning of "unconscious/fainting/non trauma".
  • Sutherland's death was announced by UNI on Saturday.

The players

Parker Sutherland

An 18-year-old tight end for the University of Northern Iowa football team, who tragically passed away at the age of 19.

Todd Stepsis

The head coach of the University of Northern Iowa football team, who praised Sutherland's talent, character, and embodiment of the program's values.

Megan Franklin

The athletic director at the University of Northern Iowa, who expressed devastation over Sutherland's passing and said the Panther community will support his family and teammates in their grief.

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What they’re saying

“Parker embodied everything we look for in a UNI Football Panther. His talent and potential excited us on a daily basis, but it failed to compare to the type of person and teammate he was. His character, humility, toughness and genuine love of others are what champions are made of. While I'm saddened that our time together was short, we will celebrate the bright light that he brought to our football team for the rest of our lives.”

— Todd Stepsis, Head Coach, University of Northern Iowa Football (UNI Athletics)

“It is a heartbreaking day for our Panther Athletics family with the passing of our Parker Sutherland. He embraced the opportunity to play Panther football and represent the University through sport. We are devastated - just devastated. The blessing is that we have a Panther family who will hold the Sutherland family, our football team, and our athletics staff close as we grieve.”

— Megan Franklin, Athletic Director, University of Northern Iowa (UNI Athletics)

What’s next

The university and local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Sutherland's death, with a cause of death yet to be announced.

The takeaway

The tragic passing of Parker Sutherland, a promising young athlete described as embodying the values of the UNI football program, has left the university and local community devastated. As they grieve this immense loss, the focus will be on supporting Sutherland's family, teammates, and all those impacted by this heartbreaking event.