Kentucky basketball player and baseball pitcher Ben Jordan died Monday at the age of 22, the university announced.
The University of Kentucky did not give a cause of death.
"We are devastated to learn of Ben Jordan's tragic passing last night. There are no words to express the shock and heartache our team is feeling with the loss of Ben. He was an absolute joy to coach and be around. His coaches, teammates and brothers loved him dearly. His smile, his sense of humor and love for this university will never be forgotten. He will be missed beyond measure," Kentucky baseball coach Nick Mingione said in a statement.
Jordan was played for both the basketball and baseball teams during their 2019-2020 seasons. Originally from Olive Hill, Kentucky, Jordan pitched in 10 games for the Wildcats in 2019.
The 6-foot-9 junior joined the Wildcats basketball team as a walk-on after the team announced that it had a shortage of scholarship players. He only played in two games but coach John Calipari spoke highly about Jordan.
"It is difficult for me to express and to put into words what a tragedy it is to lose a young person too early. Ben impacted our team last season in so many ways with his kind heart, his big smile and his wonderful personality. He cared so deeply about this place and it meant so much to him to be a part of this team," Calpari said.
Jordan leaves behind his parents and three younger sisters.
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