'Incredible Teammate, Beautiful Young Man': Tinley Native, Former LWE Linebacker Dies At 22

FRANKFORT, IL — A Tinley Park native, former Lincoln-Way District 210 linebacker and current player for Indiana State University is being remembered for his leadership, positivity and kindness after his sudden death.

Edward Amankwah, a 2021 alumna of Lincoln-Way East, was a defensive back at Indiana State and was pursuing his graduate degree after earning his bachelor's degree in athletic training at the Terre Haute unversity, the school said in a release about his death.

Amankwah died from a medical condition unrelated to athletics on Aug. 6. He was 22 years old.

Lincoln-Way East High School Head Football Coach Rob Zvonar on Thursday reflected on Amankwah, describing him as "an incredible teammate and a beautiful young man.

"He was a wonderful young man, one of our hardest workers," Zvonar told Patch. "An amazing teammate. Everybody loved Edward."

Amankwah's humility and openhearted attitude endeared him to his teammates and coaching staff, both at Lincoln-Way East and Indiana State, Zvonar said.

"He considered it—both at LWE and Indiana State—he looked at it as an honor to serve and be part of the football program," he said. "It was not about Edward, it was what could Edward to do for the team. He just wanted to serve the team. I think football provided him with a source of pride—an identity and a purpose. It was a beautiful relationship between him and the game of football."

"Just a beautiful story of a kid who didn’t know much about football growing up, but took the game on and learned as much as he could about it."

After leaving Lincoln-Way East in 2021, Amankwah went on to the Division I university in Indiana, but did not initially play on the team, Zvonar said. In 2022, Amankwah texted his former coach for advice, hopeful for a recommendation to join the team as a walk-on.

"And he became a part of the Indiana State football program," Zvonar said. "No ego—he just considered it a privilege and honor to be on the team and serve. He really endeared himself to his teammates and his coaches."

While attending Indiana State, Zvonar said Amankwah found living with his teammates to be one of the most rewarding and exciting experiences. He was loved by all those on the team and its coaching staff, said Zvonar, who keeps a close friendship with the team's head coach.

"We're heartbroken over Edward's passing, and our hearts go out to the Amankwah family and all of his loved ones," said Head Coach Curt Mallory. "He was a quality young man who brought light into every room and left a lasting impact on his teammates, our coaching staff, and everyone fortunate enough to know him."

"Edward embodied the spirit of our university—resilient, kind, and full of promise," said President Mike Godard. "His sudden passing leaves a void in our Sycamore Family, and our hearts are heavy for all who knew and loved him. At Indiana State, our culture of care means standing together in grief, supporting one another, and honoring the life and legacy of those we've lost."

Amankwah was admired for his leadership, kindness, and positive spirit—both on and off the field, staff said.

"Our Sycamore Family is devastated by the loss of Edward Amankwah," said Athletic Director Nathan Christensen. "He was more than a student-athlete—he was a friend, a leader, and a deeply valued member of our community. Edward carried himself with humility and heart, and we are better as a department because he was part of it."