Mississippi State University football player Sam Westmoreland died suddenly at the age of 18, just two days before he would have turned 19.
A spokesperson for the Oktibbeha County Coroner’s Office revealed that no foul play is suspected in his death, according to TMZ Sports. No official cause of death was revealed, and the details surrounding Westmoreland’s passing have not been identified. The Mississippi State Athletics Family issued a public statement mourning the loss of their friend and teammate.
“The Mississippi State Athletics Family is heartbroken by the sudden death of Sam Westmoreland, a freshman student-athlete with our football program,” they wrote to Twitter. “Sam was a beloved son, brother and teammate, and a tremendous young man with a limitless future.”
“He will always be remembered and deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him,” they wrote. (RELATED: Minor League Pitcher Corey Phelan Dead At Age 20)
No foul play. https://t.co/wo1HvP3xOm
— TMZ (@TMZ) October 19, 2022
Mississippi State confirms death of football player Sam Westmoreland
TMZ Sports reports that no cause of death has yet been revealed. https://t.co/UFgAIEDnqJ
— Rolling Insights (@RI_YYC) October 19, 2022
The statement concluded with a loving dedication to provide assistance to anyone that was affected by Westmoreland’s passing.
“Our highest priority is the support of the Westmoreland family and our student-athletics during this troubling time,” said Mike Leach, head coach of the school’s football team, according to TMZ.
Westmoreland was an offensive lineman.
The Oktibbeha County Sherifff’s Office continues to investigate the sudden passing of the young athlete and university officials said they are working alongside police in their search for answers.