Former offensive lineman Cody Ince passed away unexpectedly over the weekend at his home in Wisconsin, the university confirmed on Tuesday. Just 23 years old at the time of his passing, the former star had quietly moved on from competition and was even engaged at the time of his tragic death.
The Hawkeyes football program released a statement from Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz confirming the news of Ince’s passing.
“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.” Ferentz said.
Ince entered the program in 2018 and redshirted immediately. However, his work ethic during his first year on campus helped him see action in 11 games in his first year in uniform.
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“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,” his former Iowa coach concluded. “All of us in the football program – his coaches and teammates – are mourning his loss.”
Ince, an all-state selection by the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association in 2017, was honorable mention All-Big Ten in 2020. He played in 29 games and made 10 starts in his career at Iowa, despite battling injuries throughout his career as a Hawkeye.
The former lineman’s cause of death was not immediately reported. According to an obituary, Ince “passed away unexpectedly” on Saturday at his residence in Wisconsin. A visitation and celebration-of-life service were scheduled for this weekend in Amery, near his hometown of Luck.