Mike Leach, Mississippi State announce death of freshman lineman Sam Westmoreland

Mississippi State freshman football player Sam Westmoreland has died, the school and head football coach Mike Leach announced on Wednesday. No information on the cause of death was immediately provided.

Westmoreland, a freshman offensive lineman, came to the Bulldogs from Tupelo, Mississippi. Leach shared brief a statement on Twitter remembering Westmoreland.

“The Mississippi State Athletics Family is heartbroken by the sudden death of Sam Westmoreland,” Leach said. “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.”

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— Mike Leach (@Coach_Leach) October 19, 2022

University president Mark Keenum was quoted in a press release announcing the death, offering condolences and support for the family.

“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,” Keenum 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.”

According to the release, Mississippi State and its athletic administration is working with local authorities to “determine the facts of this incident” and won’t provide further comment.