Sam Westmoreland, a teenage college football star at Mississippi State University, has tragically passed away at the age of 18.
The heartbreaking news was announced by school officials in a statement on Wednesday.
The teenage student-athlete - of Tupelo, Mississippi - played as an offensive lineman for the MSU Bulldog football team and was studying for his major in industrial technology.
Paying tribute to Westmoreland, MSU President Mark E. Keenum said in a 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.
"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."
Westmoreland was set to turn 19 on Friday (October 21).
No cause of death has been revealed as of this writing, but Oktibbeha County coroner Michael Hunt has informed The Associated Press, per NBC News, that foul play is not suspected.
The coroner’s office is now working with the Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office to investigate and determine the facts surrounding the teen's death.
"The Mississippi State Athletics Family is heartbroken by the sudden death of Sam Westmoreland," said MSU Head Football Coach Mike Leach. "The Mississippi State Athletics Family is heartbroken by the sudden death of Sam Westmoreland. 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. 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."
Another member of the university staff to pay their respects was MSU Director of Athletics John Cohen, who said the school has been left "heartbroken by the sudden loss" of Westmoreland.
The university has provided Student Counseling Services at this time.
Our thoughts go out to Westmoreland's family, friends, and supporters at this time.
