What Happened To Ryan Jefferson? | The US Sun

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

UP and coming baseballer Ryan Jefferson has tragically died at the age of 16.

Tributes have been pouring in for the youngster.

Sign up for the Sport newsletter

Thank you!

Email address

Please provide a valid email.

Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy

You'll now receive top stories, breaking news, and more, straight to your email.

Who was Ryan Jefferson?

Ryan Jefferson – known as RJ – was a rising star in the baseball world.

Advertisement

He had played long reliever for the Cangelosi Sparks.

Jefferson had been selected by the University of Illinois Baseball team for the 2023 season.

He was a student of Providence Catholic High School.

In a tribute video posted on YouTube the teenager said his dream was to “get drafted and to go on and play baseball at the highest level possible”.

Jefferson added he was inspired by Kanye West because he “doesn’t really care” if people don’t like him.

He added: “The recognition you get from all the work you put in just motivates me to keep working and keep doing my thing.”

Most read in Sport

WARM WELCOME

LA Dodgers hero Alex Vesia 'overwhelmed' on return after death of daughter

VETERAN DECISION

Wagner makes final decision over his NFL future ahead of his 15th season

COME ON EILEEN

NFL MVP Boomer Esiason slams 'insufferable'' Winter Olympics star Eileen Gu

FEVER PITCH

Indiana Fever's latest Aliyah Boston video gives Caitlin Clark issues

What happened to Ryan Jefferson?

The official Illinois Baseball Twitter page announced the sad news on November 10, 2021.

It read: “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Illini commit Ryan Jefferson.

Advertisement

“We send our deepest condolences to Ryan’s family, friends, teammates, and the Providence Catholic and Sparks communities. We will miss you, Ryan. #RJ3.”

The cause of his death has not been revealed.

Tributes to the rising star have been pouring in with #RJ3 trending on Twitter.

The NJ College Baseball Nation wrote in a Twitter message: “Take a moment today to think about Ryan Jefferson and those who knew and loved him.

“Our condolences to all of them. ALWAYS LIFT EACH OTHER UP – We aren’t in this alone. Together we can achieve ANYTHING.”

Advertisement

A GoFundMe page has been set up by pal Max Clarke entitled “Remembering RJ3 & Mental Health Awareness”, with all proceeds going to RJ’s parents and mental health research.

He pays tribute to the “friend, teammate, family member, boyfriend, and ball player”.

The page adds: “Mental struggle is very real. Depression is real. Anxiety is real.

“For the people struggling don’t be afraid to speak up – you are loved and important.

RECOMMENDED STORIES

“No problem is ever to big to big to not keep going.

Advertisement

“That being said, Go check in on your family, friends and teammates #rj3”