Samuel Westmoreland, an offensive lineman for the MSU Bulldogs and an industrial technology major, died on Wednesday, the school confirmed. He was 18.
The university did not announce the cause of death or any other specifics about Westmoreland’s demise. The university stated in a statement that they are working cooperatively with the Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office, the Oktibbeha County Coroner’s Office, the MSU Division of Student Affairs, and the MSU Athletics Department to determine the facts of this incident.”
Westmoreland grew raised in Tupelo, Mississippi, and attended Tupelo High School.
On Twitter, MSU Head Football Coach Mike Leach paid honor to the player.
“The Mississippi State Athletics Family is heartbroken by the sudden death of Sam Westmoreland,” he wrote.
“Sam was a beloved son, brother and teammate, and a tremendous young man with a limitless future,” Coach Leach continued. “He will always be remembered and deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him.”
MSU President Mark E. Keenum also commented in the school’s statement. “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,” he said.
“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.”