Jake explained that the “hardest thing I’ve been through is losing my dad,” he wrote in a text to teammate Myles Mass. Myles posted a screenshot of the message on May 6, sharing that Jake also wrote, ”My dream is to become a CFO of a very successful business.”
In Myles’ tribute on his Instagram Story, the defensive back called his late friend “My brother 4 life,” writing, “Words can’t describe how I have felt all day.”
The Texas Football page also tweeted, “Our hearts are broken. We love you Jake. You’ll be dearly missed, but never forgotten.”
Just five days ago, Sam celebrated his move to the Colts with an Instagram post, writing, “Something I’ve always dreamed of. So thankful to Indianapolis for this opportunity and ready to get to work!”
After Jake’s passing, Colts owner Jim Irsay released a statement as well, reading, “I know how close they were and we’re just really stunned, but we are prayerful and we know God has a plan,” he told ESPN. “We are doing everything we can to console the family and do what we can to make things as easy as possible at this difficult time.”
E! News has reached out to the Austin Police Department and Travis County medical examiner for information, in addition to Jim Irsay and Steve Sarkisian for comment.