Freshman student-athlete Samuel Westmoreland of Tupelo, Mississippi DEAD AT 19

The university made the announcement on Wednesday that Samuel Westmoreland, a football player at Mississippi State University, had passed away suddenly. He had just turned 19 years old.

“My sympathies are with Sam’s family and friends,” Mississippi State University president Mark E. Keenum said in a statement. “During this most terrible time, my thoughts and prayers are also with his MSU teammates and coaches, as well as with the Tupelo community.”

After an outstanding high school career in Mississippi at Tupelo High School, Westmoreland transferred to this school and immediately joined the school’s football squad. The offensive lineman, who stood 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 260 pounds, had not yet participated in a game.

The head coach of the Bulldogs, Mike Leach, praised his player, referring to him as “a beloved son, brother, and teammate, as well as a terrific young man with an endless future.” He went on to say that he and the rest of his staff are “devastated” by the news of the death.

Everyone who knew and loved him will have a lasting and profound memory of him, and they will miss him terribly,” added Leech. During this difficult time, providing emotional and financial assistance to the Westmoreland family as well as our student-athletes is our first priority.

Sam was born in Tulepo, Mississippi. At MSU, he played offensive tackle and studied industrial technology.

Officials at the university have stated that they are collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies, including the Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office, in order to obtain additional information on Sam’s untimely death.