UIW Freshman Runner Sam Musgrave, 19, Dies in Texas Road Crash, Teammates Injured

San Antonio, TX — Sam Musgrave, a cross-country and track distance runner at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) in San Antonio, Texas, has died following a vehicle accident.

He was a 2025 graduate of Sanger High School in Sanger, Texas, and was competing as a freshman with the UIW Cardinals under head coach Derek Riedel. He was 19 years old.

Sanger ISD confirmed Friday that a 2025 graduate of Sanger High School died at the scene of a vehicle accident that occurred Thursday night, and that two additional Sanger High School students were also transported to a hospital for medical care.

Aveda Arts & Sciences Institutes Graduate, Madison Hayes, Passes Away Leaving Behind Her Family

The district did not name the deceased, but tributes flooding social media and the UIW track and field program’s own Instagram account confirmed the loss was Sam Musgrave.

The district said in a statement:

“This heartbreaking tragedy has impacted our entire school community, and our thoughts and prayers are with the students, their families, friends, classmates, and everyone affected.”

Counselors were made available to students and staff throughout the weekend and into the following week.

A Rising Athlete With a Bright Future

Musgrave was listed on the UIW men’s track and field roster as a freshman from Sanger, Texas, and was coached by Derek Riedel. His VDOT running performance score stood at 70.3, a figure that places elite distance runners in competitive collegiate territory.

He had logged six races in his brief collegiate career and was described by teammates and coaches as someone who gave everything to the sport.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @uiwtrackxc (@uiwtrackxc)

The UIW track and cross-country program posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, writing that words could not adequately describe the heartbreak felt by the program.

“You made such a remarkable difference in your life,” the post read. “You loved many, many loved you dearly, and your smile lit up every room you entered.”

An Outpouring of Grief From All Corners

The reaction to Musgrave’s death was swift and emotional. Former coach John Singler wrote that he was “going to miss ya,” calling it a joy to have coached Sam.

Teammate Ethan Malesich offered the words,

“We’ll see each other again brother.” Another commenter, Michael Mann, called Musgrave “absolutely one of the best humans I’ve known,” adding that he loved God, loved his country, and loved people, and that he leaves behind a huge legacy.

Musgrave had also been active on Instagram, where a post from just months ago showed him enjoying a beach trip with friends in Florida, his caption expressing his faith and love of life.

The Sanger Police Department has been contacted for further details on the accident. No official cause has been released. Investigations are ongoing.

Sam Musgrave is remembered not only as a gifted runner, but as a young man whose warmth, faith, and competitive fire made him unforgettable to everyone fortunate enough to know him.