Nebraska punter Sam Foltz and former Michigan State punter Mike Sadler were tragically killed in a car accident. Foltz and Sadler were coming back from a kicking camp along with LSU kicker Colby Delahoussaye. Delahoussaye was the only survivor of the accident.
Here’s what you need to know.
1. Foltz & Sadler Were Killed in a Car Accident
According to ESPN, the car looks to have lost control on wet pavement and hit a tree. While there is an ongoing investigation into the crash, initial reports indicate the speed of the vehicle played a role in the crash.
The area they were driving received a great deal of rain earlier in the day. Foltz was on the Ray Guy Award Watch List heading into the season. Sadler finished his career second in Michigan State history in both punts attempted and punting yards.
2. LSU Kicker Colby Delahoussaye Survived the Car Crash
Delahoussaye was the lone survivor of the crash. According to ESPN, he received stitches and had burns on his legs. He was in the backseat of the car when the crash occurred. According to The Advocate, he was a participant in the camp while the other two individuals were counselors.
Delahoussaye was slated to be a counselor during the high school portion of the camp the following day. The walk-on was expected to be the starting kicker heading into the fall prior to his injuries.
3. Foltz Was Headed Into His Fourth Season as Starting Punter
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Foltz is survived by his parents Gerald and Jill Foltz. He won multiple academic awards as well as awards for his work in the community.
Nebraska head coach Mike Riley released this 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,” Riley said in the statement.
He was originally from Grand Island, Nebraska. Foltz grew up a Cornhuskers fan, and it was a dream come true to play for Nebraska.
4. Sadler Graduated From Michigan State in 2014
Sadler graduated Michigan State in 2014 with a degree in applied engineering sciences. He also earned a graduate degree in public policy. Sadler graduated with a 3.97 gpa. He is survived by his parents David and Karen Sadle.
According to M Live, Sadler was slated to attend Stanford Law School in the fall.
5. Sadler, Foltz & Delahoussaye Were Part of Kohl’s Kicking Camp in Wisconsin
According to WISN ABC, the camp took place in Kettle Moraine, Wisconsin. The three players traveled from different parts of the country to participate in the camp. Foltz and Delahoussaye were heading into another college football season. Sadler was 24 while Foltz was 22.
“We mourn today with the football programs of Nebraska and Michigan State. We mourn today with all of the people who were better men and women for knowing Sam and Mike,” Kohl’s Kicking Camp director Jamie Kohl told the Lincoln Journal-Star.