Nebraska punter, former Michigan State punter die in out-of-state car crash
Stunning news came out of Lincoln early on Sunday morning.
Punter Sam Foltz, the reigning B1G Punter of the Year, and former Michigan State punter Mike Sadler were killed in an out-of-state car crash. The Lincoln Journal Star’s Brian Christopherson reported the devastating news:
Tragic news in the Husker family. Sam Foltz died in a car accident while out of state. We will provide more details as available.
— Brian Christopherson (@Husker247BC) July 24, 2016
Sadler’s presence in the accident was later confirmed. Foltz and Sadler were attending a punters camp over the weekend. The incident reportedly occurred in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
Foltz was a first-team All-B1g punter was entering his senior season in Lincoln and was on the Ray Guy Award Watch List, given to the nation’s best punter. Besides being a star on the field, Foltz was one of the most beloved Huskers for his service to the community.
Foltz earned the Nebraska Student-Athlete HERO Leadership Award in 2016 and was selected to the Brook Berringer and Tom Osborne Citizenship Teams. The Grand Island Senior High School product was also a four-time honor roll recipient.
Sadler was a four-year starter at Michigan State from 2011-14, where he became the first four-time Academic All-American in school history. Sadler was a B1G Medal of Honor recipient for his academic achievements.
The B1G community had a strong reaction to the tragic news:
Reports that former Michigan State punter Mike Sadler also lost his life in the same accident with Sam Foltz. Thoughts with the MSU family.
— Kevin Kugler (@kevinkugler) July 24, 2016
Sam Foltz was everything that is good about college athletics. More than that. He was everything that was good in people. I'm heartbroken.
— Robin Washut (@RobinWashut) July 24, 2016
https://twitter.com/LukeMcNitt/status/757269242425122816
Words can't describe how much my heart hurts right now… Foltz you were loved by so many and your smile was infectious. I love you buddy.🙏🏾
— Ameer Abdullah (@Ameerguapo) July 24, 2016
.@Sadler_3 you were more than a great friend to me. You were my role model. Love you brother 👼🏻
— Peter Mortell (@PMortell1) July 24, 2016
Sam Foltz was a farm boy that grew up in Greeley and followed his dreams. He was a modern day Brook Berringer with how he carried himself.
— Sean Callahan (@Sean_Callahan) July 24, 2016
One of Foltz’s final tweets says it all:
You never know who's watching.. What impact do you wanna leave on the next generation to aspire too?! #DreamBig pic.twitter.com/dgpbk15HBw
— Sam Foltz (@samfoltz27) July 19, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with both the Michigan State and Nebraska communities and all of those impacted by this tragedy.