Mississippi State offensive lineman Sam Westmoreland has died, the university announced Wednesday. Westmoreland, a freshman from Tupelo, Mississippi, was 19 years old.
“The Mississippi State athletics family is heartbroken by the sudden passing of Sam Westmoreland,” Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach said in a statement. “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 all who knew and loved him. The entire MSU family mourns as our thoughts and prayers are with us.” the Westmoreland family. Our highest priority is the support of the Westmoreland family and our student-athletes during this challenging time.”
The state of Mississippi said in a statement that it is working with the Oktibbeha County sheriff’s and coroner’s offices to gather information about the incident. No cause of death has been announced.
“We are heartbroken by the sudden loss of Sam Westmoreland,” athletic director John Cohen said. “Mississippi State is a family, and we are all grieving during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Westmoreland family and everyone who knew and loved Sam.”
Bulldogs starting quarterback Will Rogers posted the following tweet in response to Westmoreland’s passing:
Westmoreland was an all-region selection at Tupelo High School. He was inducted into the 2022 Northeast Mississippi Football Coaches Association All-Star Game after his senior season.
No. 24 Mississippi State plays No. 6 Alabama on the road at 7 pm ET on Saturday.
