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18-year-old Samuel Westmoreland died unexpectedly just two days before his 19th birthday.
Westmoreland, who is from Tupelo, Mississippi, played offensive lineman for Mississippi State University.
Mississippi State University was deeply saddened to learn of the death this morning of freshman student-athlete Samuel Westmoreland, 19, of Tupelo, Mississippi.https://t.co/cb6YD62bG2
— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) October 19, 2022
The cause of his death is either unknown or hasn’t been released yet. An ongoing investigation is underway by the sheriff’s office in Oktibbeha County.
“The Mississippi State Athletics Family is heartbroken by the sudden death of Sam Westmoreland,” 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 everyone who knew and loved him,” Leach continued. “The entire MSU Family mourns as our thoughts and prayers go out to the Westmoreland family. Our highest priority is the support of the Westmoreland family and our student-athletes during this troubling time.”
“One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned while leading this great university is that the tragic loss of one of our students diminishes all of our students—and all of us at Mississippi State feel the impact of Sam Westmoreland’s death,” said MSU President Mark E. Keenum.
“My prayers are with Sam’s family and friends, with his MSU teammates and coaches, and with the Tupelo community during this most difficult time.”
More on this story via Daily Wire:
MSU Director of Athletics John Cohen said: “We are heartbroken by the sudden loss of Sam Westmoreland. Mississippi State is a family, and we are all mourning during this trying time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Westmoreland family and everyone who knew and loved Sam.”
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said in a statement, “We are incredibly sad to learn of Mississippi State Football student-athlete Sam Westmoreland’s passing. I know the entire Southeastern Conference family sends its condolences to the Westmoreland family, his teammates, classmates and all who knew Sam. Our prayers today are with everyone at Mississippi State.”
Former Mississippi State University Head Coach Dan Mullen responded to the tragedy in a statement on social media.
“Very sad to hear of the passing of Sam Westmoreland at Mississippi State,” Mullen wrote. “The loss of a teammate is something you hope to never experience. Our family sends prayers to his family, friends and the Mississippi State Football family.”