UTPB mourns new first-year football player

ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) – UTPB Athletics announced on social media Monday the death of new football player Luke Miller. Miller signed with the Falcons on Feb. 7 as a defensive end after attending Lone Star High School in Frisco.

Miller’s family said his death was unexpected and due to a sudden illness. He was 18 years old.

Miller had begun training with the team’s summer squad and traveled home for Independence Day, July 4.

In a post on Instagram, head coach Kris McCullough said: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Luke Miller. We extend our condolences and prayers to his family, friends and all the people Luke was able to touch in his life during this difficult time.”

McCullough continued, “Our football family will honor Luke in everything we do going forward.”

In light of the tragedy, UTPB is offering counseling services to its students in several ways:

• University Mental Health and Wellness Center: You can speak with a counselor 24 hours a day by calling UTPB’s 24-hour crisis hotline at (432) 552-4600. For non-urgent calls to the Wellness Center, please dial 432-552-3365.
• TimelyCare, our free online virtual wellness partner, is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at TimelyCare.com/utpb.

Faculty and staff may access counseling services by calling the UT Employee Assistance Program at (713) 500-3327.