University of Nebraska punter Sam Foltz and former Michigan State punter Mike Sadler were killed in a single-car traffic accident on Saturday.
Foltz, 22, and Sadler, 24, traveling back from a football camp at the University of Wisconsin, the University of Nebraska confirmed in a news release on Saturday. Injured in the crash was LSU kicker Colby Delahoussaye, who was a passenger, according to the Waukesha County (Wis.) Sheriff's Department.
"Last night, we lost one of the best young men who I have ever had the honor to coach and who has ever worn the Nebraska uniform," Nebraska coach Mike Riley said in a statement. "Sam was universally loved and respected by everyone he touched and on whom he had a positive influence each and every day. His tragic loss is immeasurable to his family, his friends, his classmates, his teammates and his coaches and our thoughts and prayers are with all of them. The young men in our football program are hurting but I know that their strength of character and resolve will bring us together and we will honor Sam every day moving forward.”
#RIP27 pic.twitter.com/bBRJS3JNhn
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFBNation) July 24, 2016
The Waukesha County Sheriff's Department said in a statement that its officers along with responders from other area agencies responded to a single-car accident in the Town of Merton at 11:43 p.m. on Saturday.
"Upon investigation it was determined that the vehicle was traveling westbound on Beaver Lake Road, lost control on the wet pavement, left the roadway, and struck a tree," Lt. Thom Moerman of the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department said in the statement. "Speed appears to be a factor in the traffic crash."
Sadler, who was driving, and Foltz were pronounced dead at the scene. Delahoussaye, 21, was transported Waukesha Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio tweeted condolences: "He gave us all so much in so little time. Our thoughts & prayers are with him & his family."
A contingent from Nebraska — which included Riley and football players Tommy Armstrong, Josh Banderas and Jordan Westerkamp — will not take part in Big Ten Media Days in Chicago on Tuesday, the Cornhuskers said in a news release.
Sadler was a four-year starter at MSU, from 2011-14. He was the first four-time Academic All-American in school history. In 2014 he was a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy for the country’s top scholar-athlete.
Sadler was a popular on social media, known for his humor.
He gave us all so much in so little time. Our thoughts & prayers are with him & his family. #RIPMikeSadler pic.twitter.com/pVZbkARNi4
— Mark Dantonio (@DantonioMark) July 24, 2016
A message left with LSU athletics department was not immediately returned.
Contributing: Detroit Free Press
