Mississippi State football announces death of freshman offensive lineman Sam Westmoreland

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football announced Wednesday that freshman offensive lineman Sam Westmoreland died suddenly. He was 18.

Westmoreland was a native of Tupelo and attended Tupelo High School.

Capt. Brett Watson of the Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office told the Clarion Ledger that officials responded to a call at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Westmoreland was found dead upon arrival outside Blackjack Missionary Baptist Church, located about four miles off MSU's campus. No foul play is suspected. No further details were provided due to an ongoing investigation.

"The Mississippi State athletics family is heartbroken by the sudden death of Sam Westmoreland," coach Mike Leach said in a release. "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."

Leach did not participate in the SEC coaches teleconference Wednesday morning. Mississippi State also canceled its post-practice media availability Wednesday.

"We are heartbroken by the sudden loss of Sam Westmoreland," athletic director John Cohen said. "Mississippi State is a family, and we are all mourning during this trying time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Westmoreland family and everyone who knew and loved Sam."

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Mississippi State did not release any details regarding his death. The university is working with the Oktibbeha County Sheriff's Office, the MSU Division of Student Affairs and the MSU athletics department.

"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," MSU president Mark 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."

While at Tupelo, Westmoreland earned Region 2-6A second team honors following his senior season.

"Our heart breaks today with the passing of Sam Westmoreland," Tupelo coach Ty Hardin said in a statement. "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."

This story will be updated as details are made available.

Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat writer for the Clarion Ledger. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter @skrajisnik3.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State football announces death of player Sam Westmoreland