Former Iowa Hawkeyes and New York Giants safety Tyler Sash has died at age 27. The Iowa state medical examiner’s office confirmed Sash’s death, and autopsy will be performed on Wednesday to help determine the cause of death. The University of Iowa also confirmed that funeral arrangements for the deceased athlete is still pending.

According to ESPN, emergency services from Oskaloosa, Iowa police department responded to 719 Fox Run Drive around 10 a.m. CT Tuesday in reference to an unresponsive male. It was determined the man had died and was identified as Sash, who lived in Oskaloosa.

"Sash's death is under investigation, but no foul play is suspected," the police department said, ESPN reported.

Sash, who won the Super Bowl with the Giants in 2011, starred for Iowa, where he posted 13 interceptions and a team record with 392 interception return yards. Sash entered the NFL draft class in 2011 after his junior season and was selected as a sixth-round pick by the Giants. He was cut in August 2013 by the club after spending two seasons with New York.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz cancelled his regular Tuesday news conference to Wednesday for “a private issue,” but expressed his sadness in a statement released by the school.

"We are all very saddened to hear about the untimely loss of Tyler. It is always so difficult when it involves someone this young. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Tyler's family during this extremely difficult time,” Fertentz said, reports Yahoo Sports.

Several of Sash’s former Hawkeyes and Giants teammates took social media to express their sympathy to NFL athlete’s passing. Former Iowa wide receiver Derrel Johnson-Kulianos posted his tribute on Twitter.

Former Giants defensive-end Osi Umenyiora also took Twitter to pay respect to Sash, while Paki O’Meara, also a former Iowa running back, described Sash as a “selfless” good guy.

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au, or let us know what you think below.

RELATED STORIES