Former Cody Ince, Iowa offensive lineman he died «unexpectedly» over the weekend at his home in Wisconsin, the university confirmed Tuesday. She was 23 years old.
He Hawkeyes football program issued a statement from head coach Kirk Ferentz confirming the news of Ince’s passing.
Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum, left, and left guard Cody Ince hold Nebraska’s Casey Rogers at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City on Friday, November 27, 2020. (Bryon Houlgrave/The Record)
«I am very saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Cody Ince. Cody was a tremendous young man, a valued teammate and contributor to our program. He loved soccer, fishing and hunting, and believed in the importance of family and friendships.» Ferentz said.
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«Cody was starting this next chapter of his life and was about to get married. Mary and I are heartbroken for his fiancée, his family and all of his friends who knew and loved him. All of us in the football program: his coaches and teammates, are mourning your loss.»
The cause of death was not immediately known. According to an obituary, Ince «passed away unexpectedly» Saturday at his home near Grantsburg, Wisconsin.
Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Spencer Petras passes as offensive lineman Cody Ince defends against the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium on September 11, 2021 in Ames, Iowa. (David K. Purdy/Getty Images)
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Ince joined the Hawkeyes program in 2018, but was a redshirt his first year. The following season, he saw action in 11 games, primarily at left guard.
In 2020, Ince took on a bigger role, starting in the last six games of the season. He was an honorable mention All-Big Ten. In his final season playing for the Hawkeyes, he was named the starter four times and played in 10 games.
Iowa’s Mekhi Sargent runs the ball as Cody Ince squashes a Wisconsin defender on December 12, 2020 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. (Bryon Houlgrave/The Record)
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Ince’s family asked that donations to the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital be made in her name in lieu of flowers.