SEC commissioner Greg Sankey releases heartfelt statement on death of Mississippi State lineman Sam Westmoreland

Mississippi State made the sad announcement Wednesday that freshman offensive lineman Sam Westmoreland passed away. After the news came out, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey released a statement.

Westmoreland, 19, passed away suddenly, according to an announcement from the program Wednesday afternoon. No cause of death was given, but the university is working to “determine the facts of this incident,” the release said.

In his statement, Sankey expressed his thoughts and prayers for Westmoreland’s family and everyone in the Mississippi State program.

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“We are incredibly sad to learn of Mississippi State football student-athlete Sam Westmoreland’s passing,” Sankey stated. “I know the entire Southeastern Conference family sends its condolences to the Westmoreland family, his teammates, classmates and all who knew Sam. Our prayers today are with everyone at Mississippi State.”

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.”

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.”