College football coach and nephew of NFL legend Ray Lewis dies

Shenandoah University athletics has announced the passing of former player and assistant coach Keyshawn Wilder, the nephew of legendary former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis.

Details surrounding Wilder's death remain unclear and Shenandoah University has declined to share more information at this time. 

Wilder was working to complete a Bachelor of Business Administration degree while also serving as the Hornets' defensive backs coach. 

His sudden death comes two years after Lewis lost his own son, Ray III, to an accidental overdose.

'It is with deep sadness that Shenandoah Athletics announces the passing of beloved former student-athlete and assistant football coach, Keyshawn Wilder,' read a statement from the Northern Virginia school. 

'Wilder's dedication to the Shenandoah football team was profound both on and off the field. His hard work and compassion for the game translated directly to those around him, and his incredible leadership helped pave the way for new leaders to follow in his footsteps. 

'We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, teammates and the entire Shenandoah Football family during this difficult time. We stand with them in solidarity and prayer, and we pray for the strength to bear this very painful loss. May his soul rest in peace.'

The school has offered counseling to anyone grieving over Wilder’s passing. 

A native of Baltimore, began playing at Shenandoah in 2019 before taking a year off during the COVID-19 pandemic and resuming his college career from 2021 through 2023. He spent last season as a member of the team’s coaching staff. 

Previously, Shenandoah coach Scott Yoder described Wilder as 'the best defensive back I’ve ever been around in 23 years of coaching,' as quoted by Yahoo! Sports. 

The outpouring of grief on social media continued throughout the weekend. The mother of one Shenandoah player remarked on the positive impact Wilder had on her son. 

'Very Humble Young Man and was a great pleasure meeting him,' she wrote on Facebook. 'He had a great impact on my Son Matthew Cook for his Freshmen year 2023.'

Lewis’ family faced another tragedy two years earlier when his 28-year-old son Ray III died from an accidental overdose involving fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamines, alcohol and alprazolam, a drug found in Xanax.

Like the elder Lewis, Ray III also attended the University of Miami, where he played football.