SAD NEWS: Tennessee Teammates and Fans Shed Tears for Their Star QB Lamaleava and Fiancée After Heartbreaking Announcement…
KNOXVILLE, TN – May 7, 2025
A thick cloud of sorrow and disbelief now hovers over Knoxville, as the Tennessee Volunteers community comes to terms with a shocking and deeply emotional announcement made late Monday night by star quarterback Nico Iamaleava and his fiancée, Alana Reyes. The young couple—beloved by fans, friends, and teammates alike—shared heartbreaking news that has not only shaken the University of Tennessee football program, but touched the hearts of college football supporters across the country.
In a joint Instagram post filled with raw emotion and vulnerability, Iamaleava and Reyes revealed that they have suffered the devastating loss of their unborn child. The post, accompanied by a black-and-white ultrasound photo and a short caption reading “Forever in our hearts, our little angel,” has since gone viral, prompting an outpouring of grief, solidarity, and love from the Tennessee football family and the wider sports world.
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A Devastating Blow to a Rising Star and Beloved Couple
Nico Iamaleava, the five-star recruit out of Downey, California, was heralded as the future of Tennessee football from the moment he set foot in Knoxville. Known for his dazzling arm talent, poise under pressure, and charismatic leadership, the 20-year-old quarterback had become not just the face of the Volunteers program, but a symbol of hope for a program yearning for a return to national prominence.
Off the field, Iamaleava’s love story with longtime girlfriend-turned-fiancée, Alana Reyes, had captured the hearts of fans. The couple had gotten engaged in December 2024 in a touching proposal at Neyland Stadium under the holiday lights. Since then, their journey had been chronicled affectionately by fans and media alike, culminating in the announcement just six weeks ago that they were expecting their first child.
The announcement had been met with jubilation. Teammates, coaches, and fans had celebrated the news as a beautiful chapter in the life of a young couple who had come to represent the spirit and optimism of Rocky Top.
But late last night, all that joy turned into sorrow.
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The Announcement That Shook the Nation
At approximately 11:47 PM EST on May 6, Iamaleava and Reyes published their deeply personal announcement. In their message, they revealed that Alana had suffered a miscarriage just two days earlier at 19 weeks into the pregnancy. The message read in part:
> “There are no words to explain the pain we feel. Our hearts are broken beyond belief. We were so excited to welcome our little one into this world and raise them with love, joy, and faith. But sometimes, God has other plans, and though we don’t understand why, we trust His purpose. To our baby: you will always be a part of us. We will love you forever.”
Iamaleava ended the message with a request for privacy during what he described as “the hardest chapter of our lives.”
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Teammates, Coaches, and Fans Respond With Overwhelming Support
Almost immediately, responses flooded in.
Tears were openly shed at Tennessee’s Tuesday morning practice, which was ultimately cancelled by head coach Josh Heupel. Instead, the team gathered in a circle at the 50-yard line of Neyland Stadium, where a moment of silence was held, and prayers were offered up for Nico and Alana.
Senior offensive lineman Javontez Spraggins, one of Iamaleava’s closest friends, was visibly emotional as he spoke with reporters.
> “Man, I don’t even know what to say. That’s our brother. That’s our captain. We love him and Alana so much. We all were so excited to see him become a dad. This is just heartbreaking, man. It’s like we all lost something.”
Coach Heupel, himself a father of two, addressed the media in an emotional press conference Tuesday afternoon.
> “This is one of those moments where football takes a backseat. Nico is more than a player to us—he’s family. We’re heartbroken for him and Alana. The entire team, the entire program, we’re going to wrap our arms around them and help them heal.”
The University of Tennessee athletic department also released a formal statement of support and arranged for grief counselors and chaplains to be available to players, staff, and students.
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A Community in Mourning
Beyond the team, the outpouring of support from fans and alumni has been massive. Outside Neyland Stadium, hundreds of supporters gathered Tuesday evening to hold a candlelight vigil in honor of Iamaleava and Reyes’s loss. Volunteers fans of all ages—many wearing No. 8 jerseys—came bearing flowers, notes, and baby blankets. A makeshift memorial has since formed outside Gate 21 of the stadium.
On social media, the hashtag #ForNicoAndAlana quickly trended nationwide, with messages pouring in from fans, former Vols greats like Peyton Manning, national broadcasters, and even rival players from Alabama, Georgia, and LSU.
Manning, who has mentored Iamaleava during his time at Tennessee, wrote:
> “My heart breaks for you both. You’re in our prayers. Stay strong, and know that you are loved.”
Even the Southeastern Conference (SEC) issued a public message of solidarity:
> “The SEC family mourns with Nico Iamaleava and Alana Reyes. We stand with them in their grief and extend our deepest condolences.”
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The Road Ahead
Iamaleava had been preparing for what was widely expected to be his Heisman-contending junior season. While no official announcement has been made, sources close to the program indicate that Nico is expected to take a leave of absence from all team activities, and his return to spring training remains uncertain.
“He needs time,” said quarterbacks coach Joey Halzle. “This is about healing now. We’ll be here when he’s ready.”
Despite the somber news, teammates have vowed to play for their captain.
“This season is for him,” wide receiver Bru McCoy stated during a team meeting. “Every yard, every touchdown, every fight we have—it’s going to be for 8 and for that baby in heaven.”
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A Symbol of Strength
Throughout his young career, Iamaleava has shown resilience—bouncing back from early adversity, leading Tennessee to its first Sugar Bowl berth in over a decade, and emerging as a true leader both on and off the field. Now, he faces the most painful challenge of his life. But if history is any indicator, the quarterback known for his strength and serenity may one day turn this tragedy into something greater.
In their post, Nico and Alana concluded with the words:
> “We will rise again. Not today, but someday. And when we do, it will be with love in our hearts and an angel watching over us.”
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As Knoxville mourns, rallies, and hopes, one thing is abundantly clear: Nico Iamaleava is not alone. The Tennessee community stands behind him, wrapped in orange and white, ready to lift him through the darkest of days.
