Former UNLV safety Kenny Keys dies at age 25
Former UNLV football player Kenny Keys has died, coach Tony Sanchez and athletic director Desiree Reed-Francois said in statements Friday night. He was 25.
The details involving Keys’ death were not immediately known, an athletic department spokesman said.
Keys played safety for the Rebels from 2012 to 2016.
His brother, Kendal, is a senior wide receiver on this season’s team.
“I was heartbroken to learn of the passing of Kenny Keys,” Sanchez said. “It obviously hurts even more when you lose one of your own. Kenny was a great Rebel who played his heart out on the field and was a highly respected teammate and person. We are devastated about the loss of this young man and pray for his family, especially our own Kendal. Kenny will be truly missed.”
Added Reed-Francois: “The Rebel family’s hearts are heavy after learning about the loss of former UNLV football player Kenny Keys. Our thoughts and prayers are with his younger brother Kendal and the entire Keys family. Many others on our current team also played alongside Kenny and have lost a friend and former teammate. We will offer counseling services to our student-athletes and staff during this time of grieving.”
Keys started 10 games his senior season at free safety and played in all 12. He was fourth on the team with 69 tackles to go with six pass breakups and a forced fumble.
Keys totaled 206 tackles, 10 pass breakups and three interceptions in 53 career games.
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