By Matt Young,
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/
A day after his uncle posted on social media looking for help locating his nephew, Jaden Hullaby has been confirmed dead at 21 years old. The University of Texas and New Mexico, both schools where Hullaby played football, announced his death Monday. No cause of death has been reported.
Landon Hullaby, Jaden’s young brother who plays defensive back at Texas Tech, posted on Twitter, “Forever living through you big brudda. I love you so much and I got you and the family forever I swear. Get your rest Kin.”
Hullaby was a three-star running back recruit out of Mansfield Timberview High School when he signed with the Longhorns in 2020. He was moved to linebacker at Texas and played in two games as a freshman before redshirting in 2021. He transferred to New Mexico in June and played in eight games for the Lobos last season. At New Mexico, he rushed for 59 yards on 13 carries and caught two passes for 44 yards, including a 38-yard reception against LSU in September.
On Sunday afternoon, Hullaby’s uncle posted on Twitter that the family needed help locating Jaden, because the family hadn’t heard from him in days and they couldn’t track any of his devices.
“It’s such devastating and tragic news to hear of Jaden’s passing,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said in a statement on social media. “He was a great person and someone we all enjoyed being around, coaching and spending time with. All of our thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates, and we want to send our deepest condolences to them in such a difficult time.”
Brian LeGrand, who coached Jaden at Mansfield ISD, also posted his condolences on Twitter.
“In straight shock right now,” LeGrand wrote. “One of the best young men I’ve had the honor of teaching and coaching. Great student, athlete, and even better human being who exhibited exemplary leadership. Rest up, Jaden. Condolences to the entire Hullaby family.”
