Few moments in life have as much impact on a person as the loss of someone close to their heart. That much was made clear Sunday when Nebraska players, staff and others associated with the program took to social media to reflect on the loss of one of their own, Nebraska punter Sam Foltz, who died in a car accident this weekend when coming home from a punting camp in Wisconsin.
While there will certainly be lengthier, mournful, heartfelt statements of love and remembrance over the coming days, few are as emotionally raw as those that closely follow the announcement of such devastating news.
Below is a sampling of those cherished memories, messages of Foltz's impact on those who knew him and more from current and former Huskers, coaches, staff and friends.
People are also reading…
Our hearts are heavy.
— Nebraska Huskers (@Huskers) July 24, 2016
We'll miss you Sam.#RIP27 pic.twitter.com/Mz2dwhILQ9
The time we spent with Sam was a blessing. Our team will honor his memory every day moving forward. #RIP27 pic.twitter.com/nbo3P624sE
— Mike Riley (@Coach_Riley) July 24, 2016
You were a brother, my hero, and my best friend, I will never forget our memories, rest in peace Sam, love you 27 pic.twitter.com/ofNhisE1I2
— Drew Brown (@Drewdbrown34) July 24, 2016
Deeply saddened by the news. He was one of the best athletes I've ever been around but an even better person. We will miss you.
— Jordan Westerkamp (@JordanWesty1) July 24, 2016
I love you Sam. You were one of the greatest human beings I have ever met. You will never be forgotten. #friend4life https://t.co/dkyl7FdbQz
— mark philipp (@poly_swagg99) July 24, 2016
I'm glad you could play out your dreams playing for the Huskers, I'm glad you could become the… https://t.co/mywjZLw63T
— Samuel Hahn (@daHAHNi) July 24, 2016
This is the type of man we all strive to be. #RIP27 Love you brother https://t.co/KXjeNM2tlb
— B. Reilly (@brandonreilly87) July 24, 2016
Incomprehensible.
— Shawn Eichorst (@BigRedAD) July 24, 2016
This young man was loved by all and represented everything that was right with the world. #RIP27 pic.twitter.com/W3BA4yA6mS
Rest easy big dawg! Gonna miss you! pic.twitter.com/A2Pqpik2M7
— De'Mornay Pierson-El (@DontPunt_15) July 24, 2016
So sad to hear the news. Sam was a great person on and off the field. He will truly be missed. @samfoltz27 #RIP27
— Taylor Martinez (@TMAG1C) July 24, 2016
He was somebody you strived to be. When I was around him all he did was smile and laugh. You'll be missed brother. #RIP27
— Dee Grįm® 偉大 (@_7thWonder) July 24, 2016
Sam was a true but much more. He embodied what is good&right in this world. We must all seek to live like Sam lived! #ShiningLight #RIP27
— Andy Vaughn - Juice (@Andy_Vaughn) July 24, 2016
160 characters isn't enough to explain just how special Sam Foltz was. I'll never forget you Sam. #RIP27 pic.twitter.com/HNHgeGbJ7u
— Ryan Gunderson (@TheGundy) July 24, 2016
Love you brother. You were a prime example of what playing for Nebraska is all about. pic.twitter.com/j0pumPKS7Y
— Zeus (@DarlingtonZack) July 24, 2016
Honestly at a loss for words, this definately hurts. Prayers please for the Foltz family https://t.co/9PMVaQaIAT
— Jason Ankrah (@JAnkrah) July 24, 2016
RIP Sam Foltz. They say only the good die young. You were one of the best. Love you brotha. Hope to see again one day
— tanner farmer (@TRFarmer73) July 24, 2016
Horrible news. Great young man. Thoughts and prayers for the family. #Godhasaplan https://t.co/miNK5gpPx7
— Tim Beck (@Coachtimbeck) July 24, 2016
This can't be real
— DUtter (@DylanUtter66) July 24, 2016
You were a great role model to the whole team and especially to the young guys. You always had a positive attitude . Rip 27🏾
— SpecialK (@khalildaish95) July 24, 2016
We lost one of the greatest most genuine guys Ive had the pleasure to meet Words can't describe my feelings #RIP27 you will be missed by all
— P.J. Mangieri (@PJ_Mangieri) July 24, 2016
No one took more pride in what they did than Foltz. Both on & off the field. Great teammate. Better person. #RIP27 pic.twitter.com/nJBqfafNcW
— Jake Cotton (@CakeJotton) July 24, 2016
Can't believe the news. Rest easy Sam and watch over us. You were a great young man who represented the "N" the best way possible. #RIP27
— Graham Stoddard (@g_stod38) July 24, 2016
Words will never describe how much I love you Foltzy. Youll truly b forever missed my brother. Rest easy my friend,can't wait to see u again
— Kenny Bell (@AFRO_THUNDER80) July 24, 2016
A world class young man. Thoughts & prayers go out to family & friends. Sam will truly be missed on & off the field. pic.twitter.com/B6SDoJh4AS
— Coach Bruce Read (@coach_read) July 24, 2016
There are not enough words to express what this young man stood for. #HEARTBROKEN!!!!🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/zB8OS7IyTS
— Kenny Wilhite (@coachwilhite) July 24, 2016
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
Can't send enough thoughts & prayers to his family. Such a sad day 4 the #Nebraska family & every1 who was lucky enough 2 know @samfoltz27
— Zac Lee (@_ZLee) July 24, 2016
RIP SAM Foltz #Huskers
— Tommie Frazier (@TouchdownTommie) July 24, 2016
@samfoltz27 I'm truly at a loss for words. One of the greatest men I've ever been blessed to play alongside. I love you bro
— Zach Hannon (@_HannonZach72) July 24, 2016
Man I'm hurting only God knows the reason he calls upon the great people in this world. Sam… https://t.co/j1pBY0xn8B
— Tommy Armstrong Jr. (@Tommy_Gun4) July 24, 2016
Stay strong! You'll never have a guardian angel as strong as Foltzy 🙏🏼 #RIP27
— Bane (@NathanGerry) July 24, 2016
#RIP27 and #RIP3 both gone too soon but left a legacy that will forever be remembered...
— Eric Lee Jr6️⃣ (@Pick6_Lee) July 24, 2016
Still can't fathom you are gone my friend. Love you Foltzy #RIP27 pic.twitter.com/OdqqDsCy5K
— Jeremiah Sirles (@Sirles71_HSKR) July 24, 2016
Fly high my brother! #RIP27 @samfoltz27 you will be missed dearly! #huskersforlife
— Zo Whaley (@Zo_Whaley) July 24, 2016
Sam is off to a better place where he will never have to worry. You never know when your time will come so enjoy every second. #27
— CHARLES JACKSON (@JUSTCHUCK21) July 24, 2016
#RIP27 Blessed to have been able to meet such an outstanding man and Teammate https://t.co/zF1lfX4FIN
— JD SPIELMAN™ (@jdspielman10) July 24, 2016
There really is no place like Nebraska. #RIP27 #GBR
— Keyan Williams (@Primetime_IX) July 24, 2016
Saddened to hear the news about Sam. Such a great person and role model too many. You'll be truly missed buddy.
— Rex Burkhead (@RBrex2022) July 24, 2016
Cannot comprehend. One of the best guys you'd ever meet. Humble, hard working, kind. #RIP27 https://t.co/mR3wNFDsRK
— Spencer Long (@slong_61) July 24, 2016
You took me under your wing and were my first friend here. I love you Sam and will miss you. This season is for you. pic.twitter.com/XFWirOEQD2
— Jamie Sutcliffe (@JSutcliffe09) July 24, 2016
In my years around sports, Sam Foltz is as fine a person as I've known. Just heartbreaking news. God bless you Sam. pic.twitter.com/LygEv0xr9q
— Lane Grindle (@lanegrindle) July 24, 2016
I will never feel the amount of pain as your loved ones around you Sam, but in my eyes you were family. #RIP27 pic.twitter.com/XyFPXajnO6
— Joshua Kalu (@BluesKalus) July 24, 2016
I'm gonna miss you like crazy man! Hope you are still kicking bombs… https://t.co/z7zKp12eik
— LEGATRON (@4th_n_10) July 24, 2016
No one impacted me more as a Husker than you. You did it the right way and with a smile. I'll never forget. #RIP27 pic.twitter.com/Whk519HXP9
— Chris Weber (@Cwebs12) July 24, 2016
My heart hurts today. So hard to understand GOD's plan and purpose. RIP Sam. Love you buddy!! #Huskers 🙏
— Coach Rich Fisher (@rfisher88) July 24, 2016
Can't even believe what I just heard. Rest in piece man. Love you foltz. You left your mark here bro #truechamp #27
— Aj Bush (@ajbush23) July 24, 2016
I can't believe it
— Decker (@_McDeck_) July 24, 2016
Can't believe this. Nicest and most welcoming guy on the team. R.I.P Sam #27
— Ben Stille (@Beamer_BENz_) July 24, 2016
So sad to hear the news about Sam. He was such a great person who did everything the right way. You will be missed by many young man
— Joe Ganz (@CoachJoeGanz) July 24, 2016
Love you brother. Rest Easy #SF27 pic.twitter.com/SW7l0qJLAB
— Kevin Maurice (@K_Mo55) July 24, 2016
Love,thoughts and prayers for Sam Foltz and Mike Sadler
— Mike Cavanaugh (@CoachCavHuskers) July 24, 2016
Proud to say that I got to be on the shield to protect Foltz, as he is now our team's guardian angel #RIP27 pic.twitter.com/7hvQ3VeZpE
— Mick Stoltenberg (@big_MICKet) July 24, 2016
So thankful to have had the opportunity to learn from, and look up to one of the best guys I've ever met. #rip27
— Isaac Armstrong (@isaacarmstrong2) July 24, 2016
Blessed to have known and be around a man like Foltzy. You will always have a place in our hearts. Rest easy 27.... We love you
— ⚡️AV A 4⃣⚡️ (@AveryAnderson1) July 24, 2016
Broke down reading this. That was my guy,kept in touch constantly when I was injured & my journey back love u man https://t.co/fZPucgM4um
— Josh Mitchell (@J_Mitch05) July 24, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sam Foltz's family and the Nebraska program on this tragic day
— Mark Dantonio (@DantonioMark) July 24, 2016
My heartfelt prayers for the Foltz family. Sam represented all that is right about college football. May your memory be eternal.
— John Papuchis (@CoachJP_UNC) July 24, 2016
Our entire football family is thinking and praying for the Foltz, Sadler, Husker and Spartan families today.
— Pat Fitzgerald (@coachfitz51) July 24, 2016
This dude was the definition of integrity. Love you man. Gonna miss you. #RIP27 pic.twitter.com/YIYt8vDBp9
— Kelly Mosier (@kmosier42) July 24, 2016
Sending prayers to the Foltz family. My heart is heavy today. Sam was one of the kindest&most genuine guys I was ever blessed to know. #RIP
— Maggie Malone (@MaggieMalone93) July 24, 2016
Teammates since elementary, Islanders' Ryker Fyfe & Sam Foltz in the final minutes of their last Husker Spring Game. pic.twitter.com/BlVg6xsuv0
— Islander Track&Field (@gish_trackteam) April 16, 2016
Love you Sam.. Rest in Peace bro https://t.co/2cxBYZcknY
— Ryker Fyfe (@Ryker_Fyfe) July 24, 2016
NU President @hankbounds' statement on the death of #UNL student-athlete Sam Foltz. #RIP27 #Huskers pic.twitter.com/t5mcPJqRiH
— Univ. of Nebraska (@u_nebraska) July 24, 2016
Heart goes out to families of Sam Foltz & Mike Sadler. Got to know Sam last year. A remarkable man. #HuskerNation pic.twitter.com/jTppx6IWc0
— Sam Koch (@Sam_Koch4) July 24, 2016
😢
— Andy Wenstrand (@DesignsToaMaize) July 24, 2016
This one hurts. pic.twitter.com/jPHUd0aruO
Such an incredible guy gone way too soon. Husker Nation won't be the same w/o your smile & everyone has been blessed to know you Sam! #RIP27
— Tate (@tedwards212) July 24, 2016
