Former Iowa offensive lineman Cody Ince, who was engaged to be married after retiring from football, passed away unexpectedly at his Wisconsin home at 23. The university confirmed his death. The Hawkeyes football program released a statement from head coach Kirk Ferentz confirming Ince’s passing.

Ferentz said, “I am incredibly sad to hear about Cody Ince’s sudden passing. Cody was a tremendous young man, a valued teammate, and a contributor to our program. He loved football, fishing, and hunting and believed in the importance of family and friendships.”

The statement continued, “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.”

The cause of death isn’t immediately known, but his obituary says Ince “passed away unexpectedly” at his home near Grantsburg, Wisconsin. Ince joined the Hawkeyes program in 2018 but was redshirted his freshman year. He played in 11 games the following year, mostly at left guard.

In 2020, Ince took on a more significant role, starting in the season’s final six games. He was an All-Big Ten honorable mention. In his last season playing for the Hawkeyes, he was named a starter four times and played in 10 games.

Ince’s former Iowa teammate, wide receiver Tyrone Tracy Jr., remembered his friend in a comment on Ince’s obituary page. He wrote, “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! Always smiling and cracking jokes, but he took his job on the field personally, and I loved that about him.

Tracy Jr. continued, “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!”

Ince’s family asked that donations to the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital be made in his name instead of flowers. He is survived by his fiancée, Olivia Tucker, parents Marty and Tammy, and sister Carly.