Former Wisconsin RB Nate White Madison, 20, Passes Away, Leaving His Parents Behind!

Tragically, Nate White's passing occurred just one week after he had celebrated his 20th birthday on June 18.

July 4, 2026

This article was last updated by Manoj Gadtaula on July 4, 2026

Nate White, a 20-year-old former University of Wisconsin football player and Milwaukee Rufus King High School star, passed away on June 25, 2026, in his apartment in Brookings, South Dakota.

The football player had recently transferred to South Dakota State University, where he was a student-athlete playing as a running back.

His sudden demise has left his parents, siblings, family, friends, and teammates shattered.

Tragically, his passing occurred just one week after he had celebrated his 20th birthday on June 18.

Nate White Madison is survived by his parents, Chrystal White and Les White, his elder brother, Tyler, his sister, Samara White, and his brother, Jacoby White.

Nate White with his father, Les White. (Image Source: )

A day after his demise, his sister, Samara, broke the silence, sharing her grief and also appreciating the overwhelming love and support from the loved ones.

literally there’s nothing I can say forreal
We are heart broken 💔
I am heart broken man my baby ….really man smh i just cant stomach the thought i am literally sick
We do appreciate the calls and texts I just can not talk right now ….. I have tagged our parents (they share the same page) and brothers above, they will respond when they can as well
Ik ppl stopped by and trying to see whats going on but Right now we are in SD and we will keep everyone posted once we get back

According to a police report, White’s roommate called 911 at around 6:44 a.m. on June 25, reporting that White was unresponsive and not breathing.

Emergency responders tried to revive him, but their efforts were unsuccessful. An autopsy is being conducted to determine the cause of his death, and the Brookings Police Department is still investigating.

Football player Nate White with his mother, Chrystal White. (Image Source: )

On July 2, 2026, hundreds gathered at Rufus King High School for a balloon release vigil to honor White’s life. Blue, gold, and pink balloons were released into the sky as the crowd shouted, “We love you, Nate!”

Following the successful balloon release ceremony, Nate’s sister shared several pictures of the event, expressing her gratitude to everyone who showed up. She wrote:

We just want to say thank you to everyone who showed up for Nate today! The love was crazy 🙏🏾🤍
But it was so amazing to see.

Nate White was a standout athlete at Rufus King High School in Milwaukee. As a senior, he rushed for 1,345 yards and scored 26 touchdowns, earning praise as one of Wisconsin’s top recruits in the Class of 2026.

He also played quarterback during his junior year, earning the Conference Offensive Player of the Year award after rushing for 1,163 yards and 22 touchdowns.

Thanks to his talent and hard work, he earned a spot on the Wisconsin Badgers football team, where he spent two seasons, first as a running back and later transitioning to wide receiver.

Although he didn’t see game action at Wisconsin, coaches and teammates admired his skill and spirit. He earned the nickname “Skinny Back” for his ability to dodge tacklers during practice.

In January 2026, White transferred to South Dakota State University, where he was expected to be the starting running back for the Jackrabbits in the upcoming season.

South Dakota State head coach Dan Jackson called White a beloved teammate who brought “hard work, determination, and a positive spirit” to the program.

The university’s president, Barry Dunn, also shared that teammates, coaches, and faculty loved White in his short time on campus.

Theo Carney, White’s running backs coach at Rufus King, spoke at the vigil and presented White’s parents with a football helmet signed by the team. Carney said White was like a son to him and that his death still felt unreal.

During this ordeal, we offer our sincere condolences to Nate White’s parents, siblings, friends, teammates, and extended family.

Rest Easy, Nate White!

• Check other Articles on

Aditi is an avid music lover whose interest's goes beyond the realm of music, with passion in digital marketing. A Gen Z who loves her personal space and is keen to exploring new things. An optimist who seeks silver lining in every circumstances life throws at her.

Related articles

May 13, 2026

May 12, 2026

May 12, 2026

May 8, 2026

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Comment: Please enter your comment! Name:* Please enter your name here Email:* You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here

Δ

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.

Share article

- May 13, 2026 Residents of Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, are raising serious concerns after a series of violent incidents involving a group of young boys who have been targeting...

- May 13, 2026 Andrew O' Donnell of Fairfield, Connecticut, passed away at the age of 39. He was born in Fairfield, Connecticut, and later moved to Ancramdale, New...

- May 12, 2026 Judy (Evans) Milby of Rockwall, Texas, passed away on Saturday at the age of 80. Milby was born on July 25, 1945, to her father,...

- May 12, 2026 Residents of Dromore, Co. Down, are calling for action after a deeply concerning incident at the local play park, where older children were reported...

- May 11, 2026 A video circulating on Facebook has sparked a heated debate among Bell Gardens residents after police were called on a group of kids riding...