Nebraska's Sam Foltz, ex-Spartan Mike Sadler killed in car accident
Nebraska punter Sam Foltz and former Michigan State punter Mike Sadler died in an automobile accident overnight Saturday that also injured LSU kicker Colby Delahoussaye. Foltz was 22 years old, while Sadler was 24.
All three were attending Kohl's Kicking Camp in Wales, Wisconsin. Sadler and Foltz were killed when the car lost control on wet pavement and struck a tree, the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department confirmed to Brian Christopherson of the Lincoln Star Journal. Sadler was driving at the time. Delahoussaye was taken with minor injuries to Waukesha Memorial Hospital and required stitches and suffered burns on his legs, according to LSU sports information director Michael Bonnette.
Michigan State coach Mike Dantonio confirmed Salter's death in a statement released by the school.
We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear the extremely tragic news about Mike Sadler's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sadler family, his teammates, friends, coaches and Spartan Nation. We also express our deepest sympathies to the family of Sam Foltz and the Nebraska program for their loss. Mike impacted so many people not only as a football player, but also from an academic standpoint and in the community as well. The world has lost a rising star who dreamed big and was accomplishing those dreams, one after another... The world will be a sadder and lonelier place without Mike Sadler in it. May he rest in peace.
Nebraska head coach Mike Reilly issued a statement praising Foltz for the way he lived his life:
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. 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.
"Sam and Mike each had amazing careers as student-athletes in the Big Ten Conference, but more importantly they were tremendous men off the field," Kohl's Kicking Camp director Jamie Kohl said in a statement. "We are so grateful for the opportunity we have had to know these men and their families."
Foltz began his career at Nebraska as a walk-on. The 2015 Big Ten Punter of the Year had made the Ray Guy Award watchlist for 2016. He averaged 44.2 yards per punt as a junior last season and was selected to the All-Big Ten first team.
A four-time member of Nebraska's scholar-athlete honor roll, Foltz earned his degree in agronomy in May.
Sadler was a four-year starter for the Spartans and finished his career second all time in punts (268) and punting yards (11,307) in Michigan State history. A two-time Academic All-American, Sadler was named a first-team All-American by ESPN and CBS in 2013. He was set to attend Stanford Law School in the fall.
Delahoussaye was expected to retake the starting kicking job for the Tigers this season with the departure of Trent Domingue, who announced earlier Sunday that he was transferring to Texas.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the familes of Sam Foltz and Mike Sadler. We grieve for them. This isn't supposed to happen to young people who have such much to live for," LSU head coach Les Miles said in a statement. "We are so thankful Colby will be able to return home to his family and friends."
Teammates and opponents both past and present used social media to share their grief and offer support to the families.
Our hearts are heavy.
— Nebraska Huskers (@Huskers) July 24, 2016
We'll miss you Sam.#RIP27 pic.twitter.com/Mz2dwhILQ9
We'll never let your work ethic go unnoticed Big Brother. Love you Bro, Rest Easy 27 pic.twitter.com/RPbsJBug0M
— Tyrin Ferguson (@tferg__) July 24, 2016
Praying for the Foltz family!! One of the best teammates iv had and even a better person!! #RIP27
— Joey Felici (@JFEL31) July 24, 2016
Unreal. Such a great leader and motivator. Always wanted us and the team to be great. #RIP27
— Peyton Newell (@p_newell) July 24, 2016
A man of character, leadership, and hard work. Truly missed. Won't be the same without you brother. #RIP27 https://t.co/lXoUdwBM6t
— Keyan Williams (@Primetime_IX) July 24, 2016
Lost a great leader and an even better person... #RIP27
— Austin Rack-O Rose (@Austin_23_Rose) July 24, 2016
Sam Foltz and Mike Sadler were the faces of Big Ten punters. Class Acts and even better people. Life absolutely sucks. This yr is 4 you guys
— Griffin Oakes (@Griffin_Oakes) July 24, 2016
#RIPMikeSadler pic.twitter.com/PoSevXzr83
— Spartan Football (@MSU_Football) July 24, 2016
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
I love you so much man. I'll never forget how many times you saved my ass on and off the field. #SpartanDawg pic.twitter.com/3EK39H7a0n
— Taybor Pepper (@TayborSnapping) July 24, 2016
You were the definition of inspiration, leadership, intelligence, wit, and above all us my brother. RIP @Sadler_3 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/m2QhaOHzSJ
— Darien Harris (@DHarris_45) July 24, 2016
Rest in peace Sadler, you were a great teammate and better friend, you will be greatly missed love ya buddy
— kodi kieler (@KodiKieler79) July 24, 2016
Words can't describe how we're all feelings. RIP Mike, Love you bro. #SpartanDawg #MSUlegend #3 pic.twitter.com/fbOVQCiBpg
— Taiwan Jones (@TJ_Spartan34) July 24, 2016