STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Adam Gress, a graduate of West Mifflin and a former starting tackle on the Nittany Lions' offensive line, passed away Thursday.
Gress, 26, was found dead Thursday afternoon at a home in Dormont, according to the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's office. A cause of death has not been released.
"The Penn State football family would like to offer sincere condolences to the family & friends of letterman Adam Gress," the Penn State football team said in a statement Friday. "His commitment to this university & this program will never be forgotten."
One week shy of his 27th birthday, Gress began his football career with the Nittany Lions in 2009 as a three-star prospect and he opted to stick with the program after NCAA sanctions were handed down, ultimately becoming the team's starting right tackle in 2013 during his senior season. Working to help protect then freshman quarterback Christian Hackenberg, the 6-6, 320-pound Gress was affectionately known by his teammates as Sasquatch. With his long blonde hair and outgoing personality, Gress helped hold together a team that was working through an unprecedented situation in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky scandal.
Gress was a former captain of the ice hockey team at West Mifflin and an all-state and all-conference football honoree.
Former teammates and those who worked closely with Gress expressed condolences on social media on Friday.
So sadden / heart broken to hear the news about Adam Gress. Not only was he a great teammate but an awesome friend. Adam was in the 2009 recruiting class and was a big component in helping restore the roar back in 2012. Gress I love you man this one hurts to the core. #WeAre
— Stephon Morris (@Morr12S) December 22, 2017
I will always remember Adam Gress as being one of the goofiest guys in the locker room. Deeply hurt by what has been happen. My condolences go out to his family. RIP brother #WeAre ... Family
— Stephen (@BigBENGTheory7) December 22, 2017
The Penn State community has lost a great one. One of the most genuine and funny guys I've ever known. Thoughts and prayers are with your family. Rest In Peace @GressSquatch #RIP58
— Garrett Sickels (@Sickels_90) December 22, 2017
We lost one of the best ??⚪️ Adam Gress's heart was bigger than his 6'7 frame. Each day at B94.5 he would leave the morning show internship early for his ? lift, we would jokingly hold him back and play the song ?Happy Trails to You (until we meet again)?
RIP #58 ? pic.twitter.com/HRLOlFVr3W
— PJ Mullen (@psuPJ) December 22, 2017
Saddened by this news. Adam was one hell of a guy and teammate. My thoughts and prayers are with the Gress family. Rest In Peace @GressSquatch
— Anthony Smith (@_Smith24) December 22, 2017
Adam Gress was a great teammate and even better person. I’m still completely stunned by this news. Can only imagine Coach welcomed him with open arms. You will be missed @GressSquatch https://t.co/syhNrSFiny
— Coach Matt Zanellato (@mzanellato) December 22, 2017
RIP truly one of a kind. You will be greatly missed https://t.co/jTryxr1GRR
— Jesse DV (@TheKidJDV) December 22, 2017