Wisconsin announce the death of former tight end Jack Pugh aged 24
Former Wisconsin tight end Jack Pugh, who stepped away from college football three years ago to prioritise his mental health, has died at the age of 24.
The university confirmed the passing of the Columbus native in a statement released on Tuesday night.
Officials did not disclose a cause of death for the former athlete.
Mental health struggles
Pugh announced his medical retirement from the sport ahead of the 2023 season.
In a heartfelt social media post at the time, the academic All-Big Ten honouree cited prolonged depression and substance abuse as key factors in his decision.
My physical health was not near perfect, but my mental health was the reason I decided to hang it up.
The former collegiate star added that stepping away allowed him to finally find happiness and rebuild his personal life.
‘A positive light’
The talented pass-catcher redshirted during his freshman year in 2021 before making a single appearance the following season.
Despite his early departure from the gridiron, he remained dedicated to his studies and successfully earned his degree from UW-Madison in 2025.
Wisconsin Athletics paid tribute to his character and lasting impact on the team environment.
Jack was a positive light and brought a genuine spirit to our football program.
A university spokesperson added that he cared deeply about people and was widely loved by both his teammates and the coaching staff.
