Ben Conken Obituary, Death: Mobile Alabama Athlete and Cottage Hill Christian Academy Graduate Dies at 20 After Cancer Battle
The Mobile, Alabama, community is mourning the death of Ben Conken, a talented young athlete whose life was marked by determination, faith, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to the people around him. Conken, who was 20, died following a battle with cancer, leaving family members, friends, teammates, coaches, classmates, and supporters devastated by his passing.
Ben was a graduate of Cottage Hill Christian Academy, where he established himself as a respected athlete and leader. After graduating in 2024, he earned an opportunity to continue his football career at the University of West Florida, joining the Argonauts program on scholarship.
His plans changed dramatically when, approximately a month after signing with UWF, he was diagnosed with cancer. His treatment required him to travel between Houston and Mobile, beginning a difficult chapter that tested him physically and emotionally.
Despite the challenges he faced, Ben continued to remain connected to the UWF football family whenever his health allowed. Rather than allowing his illness to define him, he continued showing up for his teammates and maintaining the relationships he had formed through football.
UWF head football coach Kaleb Nobles remembered Ben as someone whose personality remained remarkably positive throughout his illness. His smile, enthusiasm, and willingness to support his teammates made a lasting impression on the coaching staff and players.
At Cottage Hill Christian Academy, Ben was likewise remembered for qualities that extended beyond his athletic abilities. School leaders described him as a competitor, leader, and young man whose actions demonstrated courage, faith, perseverance, and determination.
His influence was particularly meaningful because he led by example. Through the way he approached athletics, school, relationships, and his battle with cancer, Ben became an inspiration to many people who witnessed his journey.
The University of West Florida football program is planning to honor Ben’s memory during its first home game on August 27, 2026. A moment of silence is scheduled, while players will wear helmet decals displaying his initials, “BC,” throughout the season.
Ben’s family has expressed gratitude for the tremendous support received from Cottage Hill Christian Academy, the University of West Florida, the Argonaut football program, Coach Nobles, and others who stood beside him during his illness.
His death leaves a significant void within the Mobile and Northwest Florida sports communities. For those who knew Ben personally, however, his legacy extends far beyond statistics, football games, or athletic accomplishments.
He will be remembered for his courage during adversity, his infectious smile, his loyalty to his teammates, and the positive influence he had on the people fortunate enough to know him.
As family, friends, teammates, coaches, classmates, and supporters mourn, they are left with memories of a young man whose life, though tragically short, made a lasting difference.
May Ben Conken rest in peace. May his family find strength and comfort, and may his memory continue to inspire everyone whose life he touched.
