Ex-Spartan Mike Sadler dies in car accident
Former Michigan State punter Mike Sadler, a four-time Academic All-American who ranks among the top punters in school history, died in a single-car accident in Wisconsin Saturday night, police said. He was 24.
Nebraska senior punter Sam Foltz, the reigning Big Ten punter of the year, was also killed in the crash that occurred in Merton, Wisconsin, according to the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department. They were working at a kicking camp over the weekend in Wisconsin.
Police said Sadler was the driver and that speed appeared to be a factor in the crash. Sadler was pronounced dead at the scene, as was Foltz, 22, who is from Greeley, Nebraska.
A 2nd passenger, LSU kicker Colby Delahoussaye, 21, of Fresh Iberia, Louisiana, was transported by ambulance to Waukesha Memorial Hospital for treatment. He was released on Sunday.
Police said the vehicle was traveling westbound on Beaver Lake Road in Merton, lost control on raw pavement, left the road and struck a tree.
The accident, which occurred at about 11:45 p.m., is still under investigation by the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear the utterly tragic news about Mike Sadler’s death. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sadler family, his teammates, friends, coaches and Spartan Nation,” Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio said in a statement. “We also express our deepest sympathies to the family of Sam Foltz and the Nebraska program for their loss.
Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis said the loss of Sadler and Foltz marked a sad day for Michigan State, Nebraska and all of college football.
“Mike was the epitome of a student-athlete, excelling in the classroom and on the field, while his quick wit brought a smile to everyone’s face. Most importantly, he represented Spartan Nation with excellent class, embracing his place as a role model for both kids and adults alike,” Hollis said. “On a individual note, he was more than just a student-athlete to me; he was a friend. His capability to make everyone feel special was but just one of his many special qualities. And that’s the reason his influence will be felt by everyone who knew him for years to come.”
He gave us all so much in so little time. Our thoughts & prayers are with him & his family. #RIPMikeSadlerpic.twitter.com/pVZbkARNi4
Sadler, a Grand Rapids native who attended Forest Hills Northern High, was a four-year starter from 2011-2014 and ranked among Michigan State’s all-time leaders in punts (2nd, 268) and punting yards (2nd, 11,307). He was a member of Michigan State’s two thousand thirteen Big Ten champions that went on to win the Rose Cup.
Sadler earned first-team All-America honors from ESPN.com in two thousand thirteen and was a two thousand thirteen Ray Man Award semifinalist, an annual awarded introduced to the nation’s top college punter. He was also one of the most unique personalities on the team and was known for his humorous takes on social media.
One of his more noteworthy moments came during a game against the Cornhuskers when he petted an imaginary cat in reference to the popular Twitter parody account of then-Nebraska coach Bo Pelini. Sadler had a humorous back and forward that week with “FakeBoPelini” and when he pinned a punt deep inwards Huskers territory, he pet the cat Pelini holds in the Twitter picture for the “FakeBoPelini” account.
Condolences from former Spartans teammates and coaches came flooding in on Sunday.
“You were the definition of inspiration, leadership, intelligence, wit, and above all us my brother. RIP @Sadler_3,” Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Darien Harris said.
“@Sadler_3 was one of the greatest boys that I had the honor to stand shoulder to shoulder with and grow with. RIP brother,” said Spartan defensive back Demetrious Cox.
“One of the smartest and funniest guys I have ever been around. Man this is crazy right now,” said Miami Dolphins cornerback Tony Lippett.
“Man I’ve lost an amazing friend and brother. I beg for the Sadler family,” said Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman William Gholston.
After graduating from Michigan State, Sadler had a tryout with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in May 2015. He was planning to enroll in Stanford Law School this fall.
Nebraska coach Mike Riley, quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr., linebacker Josh Banderas and broad receiver Jordan Westerkamp will not participate in Big Ten Media Days scheduled for Monday and Tuesday in Chicago, Nebraska announced in a statement.
Funeral arrangements and services have yet to be announced.
Saddened by the news of Mike’s passing. Brilliant, witty, excellent teammate, but an even better person #RIPMikeSadlerpic.twitter.com/nTY3zuxviV
Sad day for the Spartan Family after we lost one of our own. Fine boy, utter of life, and loved every day! RIP Mike🙌🏼 you will be missed🙏🏼🙏🏼
Speechless, Prayers to the family and to all he has touched with his intellect and since of humor. #3RIPMikeSadlerpic.twitter.com/qUpHG9af5h
Prayers go out to the Sadler family right now. Such a sad loss of an amazing person. RIP Mike, you will be missed
It’s crazy to hear that someone so youthfull and gifted passed #ripMikeSadler
RIP Sadler. It was an honor to be your teammate. Past, present, and future Spartans have an unbreakable bond that lasts forever.
Too many people I know or grew up with passing away. #RIPSadler
Love you bro.. You were the coolest person I ever met. RIP pleads for you and your family. #MSUlegendpic.twitter.com/u49SzPokwj
At a finish loss for words. Rest In Peace Mike, it was a honor to be your teammate. Prayers to your family and you will be greatly missed.
With this fine group of Spartans a duo weekends ago. Now another set of wings watching over us. #RIPMikeSadlerpic.twitter.com/vB13NP0SHj
You were a person I could come to for anything, one of the realist people too, I’ll miss you bro and love you #RIPpic.twitter.com/jWDNilCKP6
Can’t believe what I heard. Rest in peace to two good guys and even better friends. Begging for you. R.I.P @Sadler_3 and @samfoltz27
Our condolences to the families of Sam Foltz and Mike Sadler as well as to the Nebraska and Michigan State communities.
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Sam Foltz and Mike Sadler earlier today. Our thoughts are with the @Huskers and @MSU_Football.