Cause of death revealed for Orange County college football star

A tragic cause of death for the SoCal football star, whose body was found earlier this month, has been revealed.

Standout football player Ryder Barnes died by suicide, the Orange County Sheriff Department’s said according to Sports Illustrated.

Barnes was set to join the program at California Polytechnic State University when he was tragically found dead near a park in Mission Viejo on April 6.

The local community mourned the 18-year-old’s death. He had been a standout defensive end at Crean Lutheran High School in Irvine.

“It was with deep sorrow that this past Tuesday, April 7, we shared the heartbreaking news of the sudden and tragic death of one of our students, Ryder Barnes. Moments like this shake us,” a letter from campus pastor Timothy Unke and principal Dr. Daniel Moyer said.

“They leave us with questions we cannot fully answer and a grief that feels too heavy to carry alone,” the letter continued.

His school held a memorial service on campus Tuesday in Barnes’ honor.

The defensive end was set to transfer to Cal Poly — a powerhouse known for churning out top college football recruits — after racking up 59 tackles and eight tackles for loss this past season. Cal Poly has also mourned his death.

“On behalf of our entire Cal Poly football family, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Ryder Barnes,” Cal Poly head coach Tim Skipper said.

“Ryder was an exceptional young man with a bright future, and this loss is felt by all of us. Our thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, and all who loved him during this incredibly difficult time.”

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