The college football community is mourning the loss of Slippery Rock University defensive lineman Jake Baker, who died suddenly this past week. The university announced his passing in a heartfelt statement.
"Slippery Rock University, its Athletics Department, and The Rock football team mourn the death of football student-athlete Jake Baker, who passed away suddenly Thursday," the statement read. Head coach Shawn Lutz also paid tribute to Baker, highlighting the impact he had on the team and community.
"Jake was a terrific student and teammate and a cherished member of our Rock football family," Lutz said. "We are heartbroken by his loss and we share our deepest condolences with his family and friends."
Details surrounding Baker's death have not been disclosed publicly. Baker's journey through college football saw him start at Clarion University before transferring to Towson University and eventually finding his place at Slippery Rock. He made his debut for the Slippery Rock football team last season.
During his time with the team, Baker played in eight games as a defensive end. His contributions were significant as he was part of the team that won the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West title and advanced to the NCAA Division II quarterfinals for the third time in five years.
Jake Baker's untimely death has left a void in the Slippery Rock community, and his legacy as a dedicated student-athlete and beloved teammate will be remembered by all who knew him.