Former Rebels free safety Kenny Keys dies
No cause of death released; younger brother on squad
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.“itobviouslyhurtsevenmore 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 willoffercounselingservicestoour student-athletesandstaffduringthis time of grieving.”
Keysstarted10gameshissenior 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.
Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com. Follow @markanderson65 on
Twitter.