College football player tragically dies days before 19th birthday

A Mississippi teenager was found dead on Wednesday (19 October) just days before his birthday.

Samuel Westmoreland was a freshman offensive lineman on the Mississippi State University football team and his death was announced by his school the same day as his body was found.

Westmoreland, who hailed from Tupelo, would have celebrated his 19th birthday today (21 October).

Mississippi State University

The teenager was found dead at a church on Wednesday morning in Starkville, where his school is located.

Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Capt. Brett Watson confirmed the news to WTVA of Tupelo.

Although a cause of death has yet to be made public, foul play is not suspected.

Mark E. Keenum, Mississippi State University’s president, spoke of his deep sadness in a statement.

Keenum said: “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 continued: “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.”

Mike Leach, MSU’s head football coach, called Westmoreland a ‘beloved son’ and said his team is ‘heartbroken’ by the news.

Leach said in a statement: “The Mississippi State Athletics Family is heartbroken by the sudden death of Sam Westmoreland.”

He went on: “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.

Buddy Mays / Alamy Stock Photo

“Our highest priority is the support of the Westmoreland family and our student-athletes during this troubling time.”

Before attending MSU, Westmoreland was a student at Tupelo High School, which also released a statement in the wake of the teenager’s death.

Led by Tupelo High School football coach Ty Hardin, it read: “Our heart breaks today with the passing of Sam Westmoreland. Sam was a fantastic young man, brother, son and teammate. He was a leader, and his positivity was like no other. His teammates and coaches viewed Sam as a ray of sunshine with a contagious smile.

“He was even voted a team captain his senior year. His leadership and impact on our program will be carried on forever.”

UNILAD has approached Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office for further comment.

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677