Kaleb Alexander Boateng, a 21-year-old former offensive lineman for both Clemson University and the University of Florida, died on Thursday, February 9, 2023. He was found at his off-campus apartment in Gainesville, Florida, where he had been living since August. The cause of death was determined to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, with authorities receiving 911 calls starting at 5:49 p.m. for a death investigation and gunshot wound at the apartment.
Boateng was born on June 26, 2001, in Gainesville, Florida, and was the son of Edward Boateng and the late Lissette Alonso Boateng. He attended Fort Lauderdale High School, where he was highly recruited as one of the top offensive linemen in Broward County. Boateng initially played for Clemson University from 2019 to 2020, appearing in a few games and being named to the ACC honor roll. He then transferred to the University of Florida in 2021 as a walk-on player but did not appear in any games for the Gators.
At the time of his death, Boateng was no longer on the Gators' roster, having left the team in August 2022. He was last enrolled as a UF student during the fall 2022 semester, studying education. Despite his short time with the Gators, Boateng was remembered fondly by his coaches and teammates. Florida head coach Billy Napier described him as "a beloved friend, son and teammate," while Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney remembered him as "a good teammate and always having a good spirit to him".
The news of Boateng's death was met with widespread condolences from the football community. Both the University of Florida and Clemson University released statements expressing their sadness and offering support to his family. The University of Florida's athletic program also highlighted the availability of mental health and grief counselors for student athletes and staff.
A funeral service for Kaleb Boateng was held on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is remembered for his leadership on and off the football field, as well as his academic achievements, including making the student-athlete honor roll at Clemson and pursuing a Cambridge AICE Diploma.
