UNLV’s Keeler prescribed medication for nausea before death last week

By Mike Grimala (contact)

Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023 | 5:27 p.m.

Ryan Keeler had been battling illness for a week and was prescribed medication just days before he was found dead on Feb. 20, according to a police report obtained by the Sun.

Keeler, 20, had been experiencing nausea since Feb. 13, according to an unnamed friend who spoke with Las Vegas Metro. On Feb. 19, Keeler visited UNLV football head athletic trainer and director of sports medicine Alfred Castillo. Castillo told police that Keeler he had been prescribed medication on Feb. 17.

Three days later, grad assistant coach Julio Garcia went to Keeler’s apartment to perform a wellness check. When Keeler didn’t respond, Garcia told police he kicked down the door and found Keeler unresponsive and cold to the touch.

When police arrived at the scene they found an empty prescription bottle. The type of medication was redacted in the police report.

UNLV head coach Barry Odom has not spoken to the media since Keeler’s death. UNLV is set to open spring practice on Wednesday, and Odom is expected to answer questions at that time.

Keeler transferred to UNLV from Rutgers prior to the 2022 season. He suited up in two games last season and recorded one sack.

More than 500 people turned out for an on-campus vigil held in Keeler’s memory on Monday.

This story has been updated to clarify the source of Keeler's prescription.

Las Vegas Sun reporter Katie Ann McCarver contributed to this story.

Mike Grimala can be reached at 702-948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Mike on Twitter at twitter.com/mikegrimala.