ALBANY, NY (NEWS10) — The UAlbany neighborhood was dealt a heartbreaking blow Wednesday morning. Former UAlbany soccer participant Amitral “AJ” Simon handed away on the age of 25.

After tallying 12.5 sacks final season, Simon had declared for the NFL Draft. He hoped to listen to his named known as every week from Thursday. The 25-year previous had participated within the UAlbany professional day simply three weeks in the past.

The UAlbany soccer crew launched the next assertion on X Wednesday afternoon:

The UAlbany soccer program was deeply saddened to be taught of the passing of former student-athlete Amitral “AJ” Simon this morning. AJ was an incredible younger man and even higher teammate all through his time at UAlbany. He was a task mannequin each on and off the sector, serving as a pillar to this program during the last two years. He will probably be profoundly missed.

No reason behind loss of life was introduced, however a UAlbany spokesperson instructed NEWS10 Simon handed peacefully.

Simon made the All-CAA first-team final season, serving to to guide the Nice Danes to the FCS semifinals, the very best end in program historical past. The Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania native started his profession at Bloomsburg College, earlier than enjoying two seasons at UAlbany.

Head coach Greg Gattuso posted the next assertion to X.

Two joyous years teaching and turning into associates with AJ Simon My prayers are devoted to the simon household. I like you aj and can at all times have a particular place in my coronary heart for #8.