Nebraska punter, former Michigan State player killed in car accident

University of Nebraska punter Sam Foltz and former Michigan State punter Mike Sadler were killed in a single-car traffic accident on Saturday.

Foltz, 22, and Sadler, 24, were traveling back from a football camp near Waukesha, Wis., the University of Nebraska confirmed in a news release on Sunday. Sadler, who was driving, and Foltz were pronounced dead at the scene.

LSU kicker Colby Delahoussaye, 21, who was a passenger in the back seat, was transported to Waukesha Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries, Waukesha County (Wis.) Sheriff's Department spokesperson Jennifer Wallschlaeger told USA TODAY Sports. Delahoussaye has been released from the hospital and is home, LSU confirmed in a statement.

The Waukesha County Sheriff's Department said in a statement that its officers along with responders from other area agencies responded to a single-car accident in the Town of Merton at 11:43 p.m. on Saturday.

"Upon investigation it was determined that the vehicle was traveling westbound on Beaver Lake Road, lost control on the wet pavement, left the roadway, and struck a tree," Lt. Thom Moerman of the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department said in the statement. "Speed appears to be a factor in the traffic crash."

Wallschlaeger said there were no signs of alcohol at the scene. She added that toxicology will be part of the medical examinations that will be conducted.

Foltz was a three-year starter for the Nebraska team and last year he was named the Big Ten’s punter of the year. Foltz graduated from Nebraska with a degree in agronomy in May. He led the Big Ten in punting last year at 44.2 yards per kick and ranked fifth in school history (42.6).

"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," Nebraska coach Mike Riley said in a 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.”

A contingent from Nebraska — which included Riley and football players Tommy Armstrong, Josh Banderas and Jordan Westerkamp — will not take part in Big Ten Media Days in Chicago on Tuesday, the Cornhuskers said in a news release.

The players were serving as staff at the Kohl's National Invitational Scholarship Camp for high school kickers and punters at Kettle Moraine High School in Town of Wales.

"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," Jamie Kohl, director of the camp, said in a statement. "We are so grateful for the opportunity we have had to know these men and their families."

"The world has lost a rising star who dreamed big and was accomplishing those dreams, one after another," Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio said. "He was one of those people that brightened your day. I always say to try and be a light, and he truly was a light in this world.

"We will all miss him dearly. Once again, we find out that life is so fragile. The world will be a sadder and lonelier place without Mike Sadler in it. May he rest in peace."

Sadler was a four-year starter at MSU, from 2011-14. He was the first four-time Academic All-American in school history. In 2014 he was a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy for the country’s top scholar-athlete.

Sadler was a popular on social media, known for his humor.

Mark Hollis, Michigan State's athletics director, said the deaths of Sadler and Foltz marked "a sad day for Michigan State, Nebraska and all college football." Hollis described Sadler as "the epitome of a student-athlete" who and a quick wit that "brought a smile on everyone's face."

"On a personal note, he was more than just a student-athlete to me; he was a friend," Hollis said. "His ability to make everyone feel special was but just one of his many special qualities. And that's the reason his impact will be felt by everyone who knew him for years to come."

LSU coach Les Miles said in a statement: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Sam Foltz and Mike Sadler. We grieve for them. This isn't supposed to happen to young people who have so much to live for. We are so thankful that Colby will be able to return home to his family and friends."

Contributing: Detroit Free Press and Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK.