BTN.com staff, September 8, 2015
(AP) The Iowa state medical examiner says Tyler Sash, a safety who won a Super Bowl with the New York Giants after starring at the University of Iowa, has died at the age of 27.
John Kraemer, the director of forensic operations for the medical examiner, tells The Associated Press that his office is investigating Sash's death along with police in Oskaloosa, Iowa, Sash's hometown. No cause of death has been determined, but an autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday morning.
Sash started 37 games for the Hawkeyes from 2008-10, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2009 and 2010. He was fourth all-time in interception return yardage in the Big Ten when he graduated, and his 13 picks were fifth-best in school history.
Iowa released an official statement on the matter late this afternoon, after postponing Kirk Ferentz's Tuesday press conference "due to a private issue, unrelated to game preparation."
Ferentz had the following to say in the release.
?We are all very saddened to hear about the untimely loss of Tyler,? Ferentz said. ?It is always so difficult when it involves someone this young. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Tyler?s family during this extremely difficult time - and we want them to know they are not in this alone. The commitment, passion, and excitement that Tyler brought to football and to life will always endear him to Hawkeye coaches, teammates, and fans. He touched our hearts in many ways and will be missed by all of us.?
Here is some Twitter reaction to Sash's passing:
Devastating news to hear about a great friend & teammate in Tyler Sash memories with us will live on forever you're in a better place now.
— Shaun Prater, MLS (@ShaunPraterRE) September 8, 2015
I still don't believe my brother sash is gone u will be missed bro rest easy #rip9 #GoHawks #HAWKEYEgreat
— Marvin McNutt (@McNutt7wr) September 8, 2015
https://twitter.com/PAngererUSA/status/641318872457547776Such a tragedy!!!
— Mitch king (@Mitchking47) September 8, 2015
https://twitter.com/B_Binns/status/641329035289751553 https://twitter.com/myersb83/status/641324175022518272Sad to hear that my #HAWKEYE brother Tyler Sash has pass away. Rest at ease my man. RIP#hawkeyenation
— Albert Young (@adotyoung) September 8, 2015
https://twitter.com/PakiOMeara25/status/641322849874112512Sad to hear about a great Hawkeye passing today. RIP Tyler Sash
— Chad Greenway (@chadgreenway52) September 8, 2015
Sad news for all of #HawkeyeNation. My thoughts and prayers are with the Sash family. You will be missed Tyler, but never forgotten...
— Andy Brodell (@AndyBrodell) September 8, 2015
From the day we met all we talked about was making plays for Iowa and together we did. I'll love you forever brother. pic.twitter.com/KpwsGEu1oE
— DJK (@DJKoulianos_) September 8, 2015
I will miss Tyler's unparalleled passion for football and his contagious enthusiasm for life. I will cherish our every memory. RIP #TSwag
— DJK (@DJKoulianos_) September 8, 2015
Damn! Gone too soon @TSash. This one hurts
— Adam Gettis (@NotOnDuty__) September 8, 2015
https://twitter.com/mikegesell10/status/641325751644647428 https://twitter.com/zacheryjmccabe/status/641326317825302534Damn man. You never know the demons someone else is facing. It's a sad day when you lose a brother. R.I.P. Tyler Sash.
— Julian Vandervelde (@BatMandervelde) September 8, 2015
Rivals offered condolences, too:
https://twitter.com/KyleTheret/status/641326058533482496Sad news to hear of @TSash passing, he was a teammate growing up and a good friend. Someone that would always have your back.
— Jason Bohannon (@JBohannon12) September 8, 2015
Putting rivalry week aside! Sad to hear that Tyler Sash passed away! Left this earth far too soon! Rest easy brother! #9
— Georges Niang (@GeorgesNiang20) September 8, 2015