Mississippi State University Head Football Coach Mike Leach is listed in “critical condition” after reportedly suffering a massive heart attack at his home over the weekend.
The Clarion Ledger reported that Leach, 61, did not receive medical attention for 10-15 minutes after collapsing, leading to the possibility that he suffered brain damage.
Leach was transported by helicopter to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson after he was first stabilized at a local hospital. Sources told the newspaper that Leach was in “dire” condition.
The school released a new statement Monday saying that Leach was in “critical condition.”
“Mike’s family is with him and appreciates the overwhelming expressions of love and support for the coach, but also requests that their family’s privacy be respected at this time,” the school said in a statement. “That is the extent of information that MSU has available regarding Coach Leach’s condition, and the university will make no other comment at this time. MSU will issue additional information via social media when it becomes available.”
Update on Head Football Coach Mike Leach: pic.twitter.com/My3CijA2XJ
— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) December 12, 2022
Leach’s hospitalization comes on the heels of one of the team’s offensive linemen dying back in October.
Samuel Westmoreland, 18, was found dead at a church just days before his 19th birthday. The cause of his death has not been revealed.
“The Mississippi State Athletics Family is heartbroken by the sudden death of Sam Westmoreland,” Head Coach Mike Leach said in a statement at the time. “Sam was a beloved son, brother and teammate, and a tremendous young man with a limitless future.”
“He will always be remembered and deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him,” Leach continued. “The entire MSU Family mourns as our thoughts and prayers go out to the Westmoreland family. Our highest priority is the support of the Westmoreland family and our student-athletes during this troubling time.”
The school said that it was cooperating with an ongoing investigation into the matter by Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office and the Oktibbeha County Coroner’s Office.
“One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned while leading this great university is that the tragic loss of one of our students diminishes all of our students—and all of us at Mississippi State feel the impact of Sam Westmoreland’s death,” said MSU President Mark E. Keenum. “My prayers are with Sam’s family and friends, with his MSU teammates and coaches, and with the Tupelo community during this most difficult time.”
MSU Director of Athletics John Cohen said: “We are heartbroken by the sudden loss of Sam Westmoreland. Mississippi State is a family, and we are all mourning during this trying time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Westmoreland family and everyone who knew and loved Sam.”