Jake Ehlinger found dead near campus

[Jkwellborn 6713]

Yeah, will never forget that. At first they came out in 2 point formation and I thought Holy shit is Mack trying to kick his former employer in the dick? And then they took a knee and I thought WTF?!?
Then it hit me and the eyes started to well up. 

Wasn’t that majors doing?

[Bobby Light 76]

What should have been one of the happiest weeks for this family with Sam getting the call to the NFL, turns into the worst possible scenario. Much love to the Ehlinger family

I hope Sam will able to focus this pain and kick ass in the NFL in honor of his brother

[Longboard Horn 40397]

[Longboard Horn 40397]

He’s reunited with his father 

[cactusflinthead 27601]

Boy howdy. If the idea that you don't know what someone else has gone through needed reinforcement it's right here in this thread.

 

[South Austin 52523]

2 minutes ago, cactusflinthead said:

Boy howdy. If the idea that you don't know what someone else has gone through needed reinforcement it's right here in this thread.

Very true. It’s been enlightening reading the emotional stories of personal tragedy from people I generally associate with funny avatars and adolescent humor (saying this as one of those people). And also reinforces my thought that a large majority of the anonymous posters here are pretty solid individuals.

[PencilPusher 454]

Just now catching up on this...my sincerest condolences to the Ehlinger family. What they have been through is hard to fathom.

Over the last 12 months, I have experienced a lot of death on my circle, albeit none from COVID. My 15 year old has been hard hit for her age...one of her oldest friends was orphaned during this time and another friend in her circle died in a tragic accident on Good Friday. In trying to help her cope with something that kids her age don’t deal with often, it reminded me that there but for the grace of God go any of us and we all just need to keep livin’ man.  Don’t let many opportunities pass you by, whether it is attending a kid event or drinks with friends or a once in a lifetime trip. Tragedy is inevitable it seems and we all need to get the most out of life and leave an indelible impression on those lives we touch most. Reading the comments from teammates above, especially DO’s, it sounds like Jake left that indelible impression on them.

RIP 48 and prayers that the Ehlinger family can have a nice long run without tragedy for a while.

[JohnnyRage 1617]

Thanks @Lidig8r. I wish their family could receive such a pure message right somehow. 

[Longboard Horn 40397]

I shared this story on shaggy years ago and I'll share it again. 

Freshman year of college I'm having lunch at the student center with a few friends when my girlfriend at the time called me told me that a good friend of mine had been killed the night before in a motorcycle accident. The guy was only 19. I went to the funeral and his dad was holding back, staying strong for his mother and siblings. I still stay in close contact with his mother. Whenever I find old pictures of us in old photo albums or boxes I post them on Facebook and tag her. I also mail her the physical pictures as well. She appreciates it and tells me that always makes her feel a little less pain. I've posted maybe a couple dozen pictures and I've mailed her about 50.  

[SEC 1174]

I had a good friend who was president of the Hell Raisers who passed away while I was in college. I'll never forget the day we found out, his best friend came knocking on my door in the morning to wake me up to tell me he'd been found dead in west campus. It was absolutely devastating.

My heart goes out to Jake's college friends and his teammates, as well as his family. Losing someone close to you who isn't family at age 20-ish is a very rough life lesson I don't wish on others.

[Brisketexan 105178]

The last few pages of this thread really make me hopeful.

All we can do is to be there for each other. For our friends, our families. Even for total strangers in a moment of human need. “Each other” is the only thing we’ve got that’s worth a damn, and that’s why the loss hurts so deeply. Because in our hearts, we know that truth.

I remember when Ross died (I’m a lawyer here in town, and our community felt his loss). We started this week with another loss in the community that has many reeling. Then a couple of days later, Jake’s death. This, after I spent a couple of unwelcome days in the hospital myself. A rough week, but almost all tied to human loss, the only loss that really matters.

Love and kindness don’t heal it. Nothing really does, the wound is forever because the love lost is forever. But they help. Kindness. Genuine giving of one’s heart and feelings. Laughter, even (especially) the awkward kind. It’s what we are supposed to do. My wife uses a particular SRV quote regularly in her business - which is the humanity business: “You see, we are here, as far as I can tell, to help each other; our brothers, our sisters, our friends, our enemies. That is to help each other and not hurt each other.”

Keep on keeping on, Surly. And thank you.

[4th&Five 41571]

 

[Daichee Bell 2925]

17 hours ago, Walte464 said:

 

I just got him negged down to Tree Fiddy.  Seems a nice round number.   Hook 'em and prayers to the Ehlingers.

Edited May 8, 2021 by Daichee Bell

[Daichee Bell 2925]

2 minutes ago, Daichee Bell said:

 

 

Edited May 8, 2021 by Daichee Bell

[The Dude 1246]

13 hours ago, Eggo said:

When I was 20, I got a call from a friend telling me that my best friend from high school had fallen off a boat during a nighttime river party. Divers found his body the next day. We hadn't been close since I went to school, but he had gotten heavy into alcohol in high school after his mom died. I was a fairly straight laced kid, so I pushed him away when I didn't want to be his DD anymore. After his death, I spent years blaming myself. As it were, I was in a metal band at the time and wrote a song about him. The music genre was fortuitous in that it allowed me to scream "I let you drown" at the top of my lungs unironically. 13 years later, I still wonder if there wasn't more I could have done. 

Tl;dr young people dying causes unhealing wounds

Hey brother, I just wanted to say you’re not alone and this is a very common sentiment among those who have cared about someone who struggled with alcohol. It’s not your fault

[runthebone 8024]

14 hours ago, BB65 said:

Twelve years to the day after my brothers death my only son was born. The day of my brothers death be came a reason to celebrate. Not only was my son born on the anniversary of my brothers death, he was born almost to the minute of his passing. My son was born at 2:31 am my brother passed at 1:32 am. This happened to be the date clocks fall back. Time helps but you never forget and truthfully you really don’t want to forget. 
 

my prayers are with the Ehlinger family. I know some dark days are ahead but faith and family will pull them through. 

 

14 hours ago, NTVTXN said:

First, I’m so very sorry for your Family’s loss. 
Second, this quoted section right here gave me chills- In a most positive way. 
 

I pray that the Ehlinger Family experiences something similar in their future. 
 

 

To be fair, he was screaming at his wife, "Don't push!  Don't push!"

[NTVTXN 1432]

41 minutes ago, runthebone said:

 

 

To be fair, he was screaming at his wife, "Don't push!  Don't push!"

I’ve read and re-read your comment to the discussion.  I’m at a loss as to what you’re trying to say. Can you please help us understand what you’re trying to say?

[NTVTXN 1432]

3 hours ago, Longboard Horn said:

He’s reunited with his father 

Amen to this. I truly hope his loved ones take this approach- I mean how can you not, right? 
My Goodness, this hits me right in the gut. Thanks @Longboard Hornfor posting this. I am in no way connected the Ehlinger family; but this simple picture has helped me find SOME peace around this tragedy.

I do pray that, as someone up thread mentioned, Jake and his Dad are playing  catch or simply hanging out again...

[CycleTex87 2979]

4 hours ago, South Austin said:

Very true. It’s been enlightening reading the emotional stories of personal tragedy from people I generally associate with funny avatars and adolescent humor (saying this as one of those people). And also reinforces my thought that a large majority of the anonymous posters here are pretty solid individuals.

Give your mom a hug for Mother’s Day from the Surly. 

[Jkwellborn 6713]

Give your mom a hug for Mother’s Day from the Surly. 

He’s gonna have to wait in line like everyone else.

[South Austin 52523]

11 minutes ago, CycleTex87 said:

Give your mom a hug for Mother’s Day from the Surly. 

 

10 minutes ago, Jkwellborn said:

He’s gonna have to wait in line like everyone else.

I love this place.

[Funk Doctor Spock 12456]

This thread shows there are some amazing people on here. Like @South Austin said, even with juvenile humor we come together when in need. 

[futureman 22510]

5 hours ago, South Austin said:

And also reinforces my thought that a large majority of the anonymous posters here are pretty solid individuals.

I appreciate that, man. 

[USC_TMB 405]

Been trying to come up with something to add to this thread, will add my prayers and condolences to the Ehlinger family. This sucks so hard on so many levels. I’ve seen and experienced way too much loss, so this strikes a nerve. No parent should bury their child.

Horns Up to y’all...

[Machinator 32099]

 

[UDontKnow 10447]

Wanker Bob has socks. @Dembele is one of them - but hasn't posted from it yet.

[notre dame joe 190]

So tragic.  I'm glad to read your community is resilient.

[bigup2dahorns 3343]

[lemonandaturd 4285]

I saw where Coleman Hultzer offered condolences to the family.  Has Tom Herman said anything publicly about this?  

[Eggo 3978]

13 minutes ago, lemonandaturd said:

I saw where Coleman Hultzer offered condolences to the family.  Has Tom Herman said anything publicly about this?  

No twitter activity since signing day. No release to be found.

[Machinator 32099]

13 minutes ago, lemonandaturd said:

I saw where Coleman Hultzer offered condolences to the family.  Has Tom Herman said anything publicly about this?  

Herman hasn't tweeted since he was fired. He may have reached out to the Ehlingers privately.

[Cap33 384]

9 hours ago, Jkwellborn said:

Wasn’t that majors doing?

I think Chance Mock.

[Willfully Horn 8039]

The sun’s going up and then

The sun is going down 

Shine through my window

And my friends they come around

 

Edited May 9, 2021 by Willfully Horn
Faulty memory

[hookem48 4701]

An old girlfriend of mine was 12 when she lost her mother to a heart attack, her dad was working off shore, they immediately flew him in and while waiting for him to get back to town the call came that he died in a car wreck. Her only sibling an older brother who was 14 at the time hung himself years later. Life can be really fucked up.

[DalTxHornFan 3109]

1 hour ago, Eggo said:

No twitter activity since signing day.

And that's a good thing.

[MAUFRAIS 6630]

28 minutes ago, hookem48 said:

An old girlfriend of mine was 12 when she lost her mother to a heart attack, her dad was working off shore, they immediately flew him in and while waiting for him to get back to town the call came that he died in a car wreck. Her only sibling an older brother who was 14 at the time hung himself years later. Life can be really fucked up.

But other than that was everything pretty cool for her?

[Deej 76858]

2 hours ago, lemonandaturd said:

I saw where Coleman Hultzer offered condolences to the family.  Has Tom Herman said anything publicly about this?  

He'll sober up, eventually.

[Goodman 3273]

1 hour ago, Machinator said:

Herman hasn't tweeted since he was fired. He may have reached out to the Ehlingers privately.

I can't stand Tom as a HC but I guarantee he and his wife have been in contact.

[DalTxHornFan 3109]

1 minute ago, Goodman said:

I can't stand Tom as a HC but I guarantee he and his wife have been in contact.

And that is the way it should be.  Unless your last name is Kardashian -- errrything doesn't have to happen in public.  I never post anything on those internet obit sites.  That shit is between me and the family. 

[dcbc 14496]

9 hours ago, Brisketexan said:

The last few pages of this thread really make me hopeful.

All we can do is to be there for each other. For our friends, our families. Even for total strangers in a moment of human need. “Each other” is the only thing we’ve got that’s worth a damn, and that’s why the loss hurts so deeply. Because in our hearts, we know that truth.

I remember when Ross died (I’m a lawyer here in town, and our community felt his loss). We started this week with another loss in the community that has many reeling. Then a couple of days later, Jake’s death. This, after I spent a couple of unwelcome days in the hospital myself. A rough week, but almost all tied to human loss, the only loss that really matters.

Love and kindness don’t heal it. Nothing really does, the wound is forever because the love lost is forever. But they help. Kindness. Genuine giving of one’s heart and feelings. Laughter, even (especially) the awkward kind. It’s what we are supposed to do. My wife uses a particular SRV quote regularly in her business - which is the humanity business: “You see, we are here, as far as I can tell, to help each other; our brothers, our sisters, our friends, our enemies. That is to help each other and not hurt each other.”

Keep on keeping on, Surly. And thank you.

Quoted.  Just because. 

Hook 'em.

[NorthLoop 14218]

This thread has made me realize that I've lived a very charmed life. It makes me feel guilty, thankful, and scared as fuck all at the same time. God bless all of you who have experienced this kind of tragedy.  

[Laga4 1270]

49 minutes ago, Goodman said:

I can't stand Tom as a HC but I guarantee he and his wife have been in contact.

Would be very surprised if this isn't correct.  

[Judge Roybeanbag 11819]

1 minute ago, NorthLoop said:

This thread has made me realize that I've lived a very charmed life. It makes me feel guilty, thankful, and scared as fuck all at the same time. God bless all of you who have experienced this kind of tragedy.  

I saw this thread yesterday and at first it made me embarrassed as a Longhorn fan that I didn’t even know Jake existed.  But then again it made me conscious of the fact that all of these young men we look at as a “team” or “players”, they have mothers and fathers and sisters and brothers, and are every bit as human as the rest of us.  Human beings.  Subject to the same good and bad and in between feelings.  Respect to each of them for putting their shit out there.  Most of us deal with our good and bad in private, they don’t have that luxury.

[Jkwellborn 6713]

I can't stand Tom as a HC but I guarantee he and his wife have been in contact.

Yeah, if he had posted it on Twitter or something, it would have felt forced and expected. He most likely called as soon as he heard. At least that’s what I think he would do.

[SurlyBDR 22814]

[torre 1286]

Obituary.    Services 12PM, 12 May, Riverbend Church, Austin        Thoughts and Prayers for the Ehlinger Family.

 

 

AUSTIN, Texas – Arrangements for a Celebration of Life service have been set for Texas Football linebacker Jake Ehlinger, who passed away Thursday, May 6. Services for Ehlinger will be held at noon on Wednesday, May 12, at Riverbend Church Home for Hope, located at 4124 N. Capital of Texas Highway in Austin.

 

In lieu of flowers, the Ehlinger family is asking that donations be made to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Those looking to do so can donate on a secure webpage by clicking here or by sending to Steve Vittornini at 478 Live Oak Lane, Spicewood, Texas 78669.

 

University of Texas football player, McCombs School of Business second-year finance student, Phi Gamma Delta fraternity member, and a member of the Texas Silver Spurs, Jake was known for his larger-than-life joyful personality, grit, selflessness, and generous spirit of enthusiasm and encouragement.

Jake never knew a stranger; whether you were meeting him for the first time or were a lifelong friend, he made you feel like you were the most important person in the room. He had the biggest smile and never judged a soul, spending his life spreading joy. Jake was the middle child who was the glue of his family, with the ability to turn tears into laughter in a moment. He was his dad’s little buddy, and they shared an unbreakable bond. His father’s spirit was alive and well in every part of Jake’s life. Tragic life circumstances created a unique opportunity for Sam and Jake to uplift and empower each other. They were each other’s biggest fans. Their mother, Jena, as well as their sister, Morgen, were the loves of Jake’s life. Everyone will miss his giant hugs, but no one more than Jena and Morgen.

Jake was a gifted and fierce athlete from the start and maximized his non-stop motor, no-quit attitude, and willingness to rise to any challenge. Captain of the Westlake football team and a well-respected linebacker at the University of Texas, Jake fulfilled countless dreams at both schools, including sharing the field with his brother, Sam, who played quarterback. Westlake Head Football Coach Todd Dodge said, “Jake Ehlinger’s legacy will live on forever in Westlake Football. His pure toughness and willingness to do anything for his team is unmatched in the years that we’ve been together at Westlake.” Longhorn Football Coach Steve Sarkisian said, “Being a Longhorn meant everything to him, and he truly embodied all that it means to be one. In the short time we were able to get to know him, he always was a joy to be around and gave everything he had in workouts, meetings, practice and in life.”

Jake’s friends meant the world to him and were a lifeline of entertainment and acceptance. The family cannot thank his countless friends enough for playing Chess, watching movies, hunting, listening to music, boating, praying with him, and loving him. Before sports and his academic and social lives, Jake valued his family above all else. Nothing was more important than his mother, Jena Cissel Ehlinger, his older brother, Samuel George Ehlinger, and his baby sister, Morgen Adeline Ehlinger. To honor Jake’s legacy, we hope to go forward with even a portion of the joy that Jake brought us.

Services for Jake will be held at noon on Wednesday, May 12 at Riverbend Church Home for Hope, 4124 N. Capital of Texas Hwy.

In lieu of flowers, the Ehlinger family is asking that donations be made to Fellowship of Christian Athletes c/o Steve Vittorini, 478 Live Oak Lane, Spicewood, Texas 78669 or on a secure webpage at: https://my.fca.org/?=name+stevevittorini

They will also let everyone know about other ways to honor Jake very soon. Thank you for your care and concern. The family is beyond grateful for your support.

“I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” - Philippians 4:13 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” - Ephesians 2: 8-9 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” - Psalm 34:18

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/austin-tx/jacob-ehlinger-10184093

[Blackcat00 759]

Riverbend is a beautiful venue for a ceremony of life. I expect Jake to have one hell of a send off. Lost a teammate and best friend of mine in 2009 at the age of 28 from cardiomyopathy running on a treadmill and his service was held there. 

Was one week away from completing his 5th stage of selection in Fayetteville SC as a communications specialist Green Beret (special forces) I found out the morning tailgating the Sergio Kindle Tech game. 

Think about him daily and miss the hell out of our times watching and tailgating Texas football games here in Austin. Was devastated but blessed to have had such a loyal friendship like that in my life.  

Edited May 9, 2021 by Blackcat00

[Machinator 32099]

 

[SHOOTER12 8814]

21 hours ago, hookem48 said:

An old girlfriend of mine was 12 when she lost her mother to a heart attack, her dad was working off shore, they immediately flew him in and while waiting for him to get back to town the call came that he died in a car wreck. Her only sibling an older brother who was 14 at the time hung himself years later. Life can be really fucked up.

Good Lord...

[SHOOTER12 8814]

20 hours ago, NorthLoop said:

This thread has made me realize that I've lived a very charmed life. It makes me feel guilty, thankful, and scared as fuck all at the same time. God bless all of you who have experienced this kind of tragedy.  

Exactly what I'm feeling right now