A 16-year-old Alabama wrestling state champion was killed in a single-vehicle crash Friday.
Jeremy “Ryan” Lambert, an Alexandria High School student, was driving a 2007 Jeep Cherokee about six miles east of Ohatchee, Ala., when the SUV hit an embankment and overturned, according to WVTM.
Investigators reportedly said Lambert was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle in the crash.
He was taken to a hospital but died later from his injuries, and investigators have not released a cause of the crash, according to the report.
“Alexandria Wrestling lost one of our own,” his high school team wrote on Facebook. “Ryan wasn’t just a state champion he was the kind of kid who could walk into a room and make it better.
“No matter if it was in the wrestling room, at a tournament, or just being around the team, he was always cutting up, laughing, and making people smile. He competed hard, represented Alexandria with pride, and left an impact that went way beyond wins and medals.
“You’ll always be part of this wrestling family, Ryan. Once a Valley Cub, always a Valley Cub”
Lambert won his second consecutive Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 1A-4A state championship in February, defeating Noah Rains of St. James.
His win helped Alexandria finish second in the state team rankings.
“Absolutely heartbreaking and still in disbelief,” Alexandria wrestling coach Frank Hartzog told the Calhoun Journal. “My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.”
Grief has spread far past the Alexandria community, with coaches and schools from around the county and state mourning Lambert’s loss.
Alexandria’s principal, Derek Cobb, said they have “seen an outpouring of love and support.”
