Davis Heller, former Alabama and current North Greenville baseball player, dies at 22
Davis Heller, a North Greenville University baseball player, died Wednesday at his off-campus apartment, NGU announced in a release Thursday afternoon.
He was 22.
"We are deeply saddened by the death of North Greenville University student-athlete Davis Heller, who died October 5 in his off-campus apartment," the release stated. Per the release, there is an ongoing investigation in to his death but that "initial indications are that he died of natural causes."
Heller, a junior and native of Gilbert, Arizona, transferred from Alabama and was in his first semester at the school, the release said. The first baseman, who was a strategic communications major, announced he would be leaving Alabama and entering the transfer portal via Twitter in May.
"Our baseball program is heartbroken over the loss of an amazing human being and brother in Christ," said NGU Coach Landon Powell in a statement via the release. "Davis was a positive force everywhere he went. A gentle giant who greeted everyone with a smile and constantly uplifted those around him. An example of what a great teammate should be, Davis has left a lasting legacy on this program. A great competitor, but even better friend to those who got to know him."
Prior to playing at Alabama, Heller played at South Mountain Community College. He spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons playing for the Crimson Tide before leaving for NGU this spring. While at Alabama, Heller appeared in 23 games and started seven times. He was named to the SEC Spring Academic Honor Roll both seasons.
NGU Athletics said in the release that funeral arrangements are being made for Heller.
North Greenville's baseball program won the 2022 NCAA Division II National Championship in June, the school's first NCAA title in any sport. Powell was named Division II Coach of the Year by the American Baseball Coaches Association.
Joe Dandron covers high school sports for The Greenville News.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Davis Heller dies at age 22: NGU baseball player, Alabama transfer
