A 20-year-old sophomore basketball player at Connors State College in Warner, Oklahoma, died on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, just three days after suffering a head injury during a game. Ethan Dietz, a 6-foot-8 forward from Vilonia, Arkansas, was injured in the second half of a contest against Grayson College in Texas on Saturday, Nov. 22.
The injury occurred with approximately 16 minutes remaining in the game when Dietz was hit by an opposing player’s elbow while going up for a shot under the basket. Video footage captured the moment Dietz grabbed his head with his hands immediately after the contact, clearly in pain. Teammates helped him off the floor once a media timeout was called.
What happened next has raised questions about player safety protocols in junior college athletics. Despite the blow to his head, Dietz returned to the game just minutes later. During his brief return to action, reports indicate he was seen holding his head several times before eventually removing himself from the contest during another timeout. He walked to the bench and sat for the remainder of the game.
Dietz’s condition appeared to worsen significantly after the game ended. He was returned to the campus after the game but was transported to a hospital that evening. Emergency medical services were called for reports of an unresponsive person, and first responders rushed him to a hospital in Tulsa.
The college announced Dietz’s death in a statement expressing the community’s grief. “Ethan exemplified what it means to be a Cowboy, to value hard work and being part of a team,” the school wrote. “While the team and the Cowboy community are processing our own grief, our hearts go out to his family and friends.”
Head coach and athletic director Bill Muse, who worked closely with Dietz, described him as an exceptional athlete and student. The school characterized Dietz as hardworking, reflecting the values of the Cowboys program both on and off the court. His teammates and coaches remembered him as someone who brought positive energy to the team and represented the competitive spirit of Connors State basketball.
Dietz had been performing well this season, averaging 11 points per game and establishing himself as a vital contributor to the team. The forward had become known for his presence on both ends of the court, earning respect within the program for his dedication and growth as a player. His performance and attitude made him a valued member of the Cowboys roster.
The Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has not released an official cause of death and indicated that they will not release any information until an official report is completed. The lack of immediate answers has left many in the basketball community searching for clarity about what led to such a sudden and unexpected loss.
In response to the tragedy, Connors State canceled four basketball games, including both men’s and women’s contests. The school postponed the men’s basketball game against Grayson College that had been scheduled for Monday, Dec. 1. Administrators made counseling services available to students, faculty, and staff to provide emotional support during this difficult time.
A candlelight vigil was scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 1, on the Connors State campus in Warner to honor Dietz’s life. The gathering provided an opportunity for teammates, coaches, students, and community members to come together and remember the young athlete. The vigil reflected the deep impact Dietz had on those who knew him during his time at the college.
The incident has renewed conversations about player safety and medical readiness in junior college basketball, where resources and protocols may vary from program to program. Head injuries in basketball, while less common than in contact sports like football, can occur during physical play under the basket. The circumstances surrounding Dietz’s return to the game after his initial injury have prompted questions about concussion protocols and emergency response systems at the junior college level.
NJCAA rules state that any player suspected of having sustained a head injury must be removed from play and NOT permitted to return. This protocol was NOT followed in Dietz’s case.
Dietz’s death represents a devastating loss for the Vilonia, Arkansas community where he grew up before attending Connors State. Friends and former teammates from his high school days have expressed shock and sadness over the sudden passing of someone known for his athletic talent and warm personality. The young forward’s life and contributions to his team will be remembered by those who had the opportunity to play alongside him and witness his dedication to the sport.
