IOWA Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz has shared a heartbreaking statement after star Cody Ince died "unexpectedly" at just 23 years old.
The offensive lineman and Wisconsin native died on July 15, and his cause of death has yet to be revealed.
His former Hawkeyes coach released a statement via the New York Post, reading: "I am incredibly sad to hear about Cody Ince’s sudden passing. Cody was a tremendous young man, valued teammate, and contributor to our program."
He went on to say: "He loved football, fishing and hunting, and believed in the importance of family and friendships. Cody was just beginning this next chapter of his life and was about to be married.
"Mary and I are heartbroken for his fiancée, his family and all his friends who knew and loved him. All of us in the football program — his coaches and teammates — are mourning his loss,” Ferentz concluded.
Cody leaves behind his fiancée, Olivia Tucker, along with his parents and sister, Carly.
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Cody studied engineering
Cody Ince was a former college football star who was born on December 18, 1999, in Luck, Wisconsin, to Tammy and Marty Ince.
He famously played for Iowa between 2018 and 2021, during which time, he appeared in almost 30 games.
Ince was a standout player on and off the field, earning both All-Big Ten honors and dean's list recognition while pursuing a degree in engineering.
About Cody Ince's fiancée
Cody Ince is survived by his fiancée, Olivia Tucker, of Grantsburg, Wisconsin.
Not much is known about Tucker's life because she often stays out of the spotlight and avoids posting things on social media but her Facebook page states that she attended Bemidji State University in Minnesota.
At this time, it is not known how long they were together prior to his passing or how long they had been engaged.
Cody was set to be married next May
Cody Ince was engaged to his fiancée, Olivia Tucker, at the time of his death.
According to the couple's wedding website, the wedding was set for May 18, 2024, in Grantsburg, Wisconsin.
Cody died in his home state
Cody Ince passed away "unexpectedly" at his home in Wisconsin on July 15, 2023, at the age of 23, according to his obituary.
Despite his death being confirmed, a cause has not been provided.
Former teammate speaks on 'sad situation'
Iowa defensive end Joe Evans said: "Just for him to pass away at such a young age, my immediate thought is just thinking about, obviously, him and the memories that I have with him, and then just thinking about his family, his fiancé, all the condolences to them.
"It’s just such a sad situation. I just hope they’re doing okay."
Purdue receiver pays tribute
Several people have commented on Cody Ince's memorial page, including Purdue receiver Tyrone Tracy Jr.
"I have had the honor of knowing and playing with Cody while I was at the University of Iowa. He was not only a great teammate but an amazing person!" Tracy Jr. recalled.
"Always smiling and cracking jokes but he took his job on the field personally and I loved that about him. He used to always bring in deer jerky or sunflower seeds and he made sure I got some every time.
"It’s the little things that I will remember! Thank you Cody for being such an amazing person and friend!"
Cody Ince survived by fiancée
The former Hawkeyes lineman is survived by his fiancée, Olivia Tucker, who has yet to speak out about his untimely death.
Cody also leaves behind his parents, Tammy and Marty, and his sister Carly.
Former Iowa Hawkeye pictured
Cody Ince played for Iowa between 2018 and 2021, during which time, he appeared in almost 30 games.
Ince passed away “unexpectedly” at his home in Wisconsin on July 15, 2023, at the age of 23, according to his obituary.
Cause of death unknown
Ince passed away "unexpectedly" at his home in Wisconsin on July 15, 2023, at the age of 23, according to his obituary.
Despite his death being confirmed, a cause has not been provided.
“I am incredibly sad to hear about Cody Ince’s sudden passing,” Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz said in a statement, via the New York Post.
Teammates pay tribute, continued
Hawkeyes wide receiver Arland Bruce IV tweeted: "Rest in Peace Cody Ince, may God watch over your family as they mourn your passing and you enter into The Kingdom of Heaven!
"You showed me what true leadership looks like and how to be a great teammate."
Ince's cause of death is currently unknown.
Teammates pay tribute
Cody Ince played for Iowa between 2018 and 2021, during which time, he appeared in almost 30 games.
Since learning of his death many of his former teammates have posted tributes on Twitter.
Iowa center Logan Jones said, via Hawkfanatic: "People kind of take for granted the opportunity that we have and things like this kind of humble you.
"Don’t take for granted every day you have because you never know when it’s going to be your last.
"I don’t know what happened, but it really just brings you back down and makes you appreciate the things you have."
About Cody's high school career
Cody Ince had a successful career as an offensive and defensive lineman.
Below are some of his accomplishments:
- Earned first-team all-state honors on offense and honorable mention recognition on defense as a senior
- First-team all-conference on both offense and defense as a junior and senior
- All-Region defensive end as a junior
- Honorable mention all-conference on defense as a freshman
Accolades with Iowa Hawkeyes
Cody Ince racked up many achievements throughout his time with the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Below are just a few he earned:
- Earned Dean’s List recognition, in Spring, 2021
- Preseason second-team All-Big Ten by Athlon Sports and Phil Steele
- Listed as first-team left guard following spring practice
- Fourth-team All-Big Ten by Phil Steele and an honorable mention All-Big Ten by league coaches and media
More on Cody Ince
Cody Ince was a former college football star who was born on December 18, 1999, in Luck, Wisconsin, to Tammy and Marty Ince.
He famously played for Iowa between 2018 and 2021, during which time, he appeared in almost 30 games.
Ince was a standout player both on and off the field, earning both All-Big Ten honors and dean's list recognition.
Tributes pour in for offensive lineman
Several people have taken to Twitter to send condolences to Cody Ince's family.
A former teammate wrote: "Rest in Peace Cody Ince, may God watch over your family as they mourn your passing and you enter into The Kingdom of Heaven!
"You showed me what true leadership looks like and how to be a great teammate"
Rest in Peace Cody Ince 😢 23 is too young. Simply awful
— Hawkeye patRICK (@hawkeye9902) July 18, 2023
Honorable mention All-Big Ten
Cody Ince earned an honorable mention during the 2020 season.
He then started in four games during the 2021 season, per CBS Sports.
Signed with Hawkeyes in 2018
Cody Ince signed with the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2018.
He redshirted his first season and appeared in 11 games.
Ince started the final six games of the 2020 season.
Coach pays tribute, continued
Kirk Ferentz continued in his statement: "Cody was just beginning this next chapter of his life and was about to be married.
"Mary and I are heartbroken for his fiancée, his family and all his friends who knew and loved him.
"All of us in the football program – his coaches and teammates – are mourning his loss."
Former coach pays tribute
Cody's former Hawkeyes coach, Kirk Ferentz, has since released a statement via the New York Post, reading: "I am incredibly sad to hear about Cody Ince’s sudden passing.
"Cody was a tremendous young man, valued teammate, and contributor to our program.
"He loved football, fishing and hunting, and believed in the importance of family and friendships.
Cody Ince dead at 23
Former Iowa Hawkeyes star Cody Ince has died aged 23.
The offensive lineman and Wisconsin native died "unexpectedly" on July 15.
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