University of Northern Iowa news release
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — The University of Northern Iowa community is mourning the loss of Panther football student-athlete Parker Sutherland, who passed away on Saturday morning.
The Iowa City, Iowa native appeared in four games as a tight end during his freshman season with the Panthers in 2025. He was a second-team all-state performer as a senior at Iowa City High School where he also excelled in basketball and baseball. Sutherland is survived by his parents Adam and Jill Sutherland and a sister, Georgia.
His family has asked for time and space right now while they process this unimaginable loss.
“It is a heartbreaking day for our Panther Athletics family with the passing of our Parker Sutherland. He embraced the opportunity to play Panther football and represent the University through sport,” said UNI Director of Athletics Megan Franklin. “We are devastated – just devastated. The blessing is that we have a Panther family who will hold the Sutherland family, our football team, and our athletics staff close as we grieve.”
“I’m heartbroken,” said UNI head coach Todd Stepsis. “No words can express my condolences to Adam, Jill and Georgia. Parker embodied everything we look for in a UNI Football Panther. His talent and potential excited us on a daily basis, but it failed to compare to the type of person and teammate he was. His character, humility, toughness and genuine love of others are what champions are made of. While I’m saddened that our time together was short, we will celebrate the bright light that he brought to our football team for the rest of our lives.”
The entire UNI community extends its sincerest condolences to Parker’s family and friends during this difficult time. A variety of support services are being made available to UNI students, faculty and staff.