Jack Trice died on October 8, 1923, from internal bleeding and hemorrhaged lungs caused by injuries sustained during a college football game between Iowa State College and the University of Minnesota on October 6, 1923

. During the game, Trice suffered a broken collarbone early on but continued to play. Later in the third quarter, while attempting a roll block (a now- banned play), he was knocked to the ground and trampled by three Minnesota players, which caused severe internal injuries

. Although he was initially treated at a hospital and declared fit to travel, his condition worsened due to internal bleeding, and he died two days later

. There has been ongoing speculation about whether Trice was deliberately targeted due to racial tensions at the time, as he was the only Black player on the field and faced discrimination off the field as well

. Despite the controversy, no official inquiry was conducted into his death

. Trice's death had a significant impact: Iowa State canceled classes to honor him, held a large funeral attended by thousands, and did not play Minnesota again for 66 years

. Today, Jack Trice is remembered as a pioneering athlete and a symbol of courage and resilience.