Idaho football athlete Collin Sather died Tuesday morning of stage four kidney cancer, according to Idaho Athletics.

Prior to Sather’s death, a GoFundMe page, created by Samantha LP, aimed to help the Sather family with medical expenses.

“Thank you for all the love and support you had for him and shared with him and the family during his precious life filled with humor and antics and his horrific battle with cancer,” wrote LP.

The University of Idaho issued a statement with comments from Idaho Head Coach Paul Petrino Tuesday afternoon.

“Collin was a tremendous young man and a great teammate,” said Petrino in the news release. “It is a testament to him to see how many of our players cared so deeply about him and how many lives he touched in the Vandal Family in such a short time. We challenge our players to be tough and always choose character. Nobody did a better job of that than Collin. My time with him made me a better person and I know his teammates feel the same way.”

Sather began experiencing stomach pains Jan. 17, according to the page, and was taken to Deaconess Hospital in Spokane Jan. 21.

A “Celebrate Collin” event will be announced in the near future, according to the page. As of Tuesday morning, the GoFundMe raised $17,417 over the course of nine days.

Sather, a redshirt freshman, studied exercise sport health science pre-physical training.

Prior to joining the Vandals, Sather was a two-time All-Great Northern League First-Team selection at wide receiver out of West Valley High School in Spokane and a First-Team All-League selection on defense in his senior season.

“On behalf of the Vandal Family, our deepest condolences go out to Collin’s family and loved ones,” said Interim Director of Athletics Pete Isakson in the news release. “Collin made a profound impact on the lives of those he touched throughout our department and across the campus community. The loss of a 19-year-old is difficult to comprehend and we are here for anybody who needs help during this challenging time.”

Sather celebrated his 19th birthday Feb. 24.

Those in need of additional resources during this time are encouraged to call or visit the UI Counseling and Testing Center.

Phone: 208-885-6716

Email: ctc@uidaho.edu

The Argonaut will continue to cover this story as more updates become available.

Meredith Spelbring can be reached at arg-sports@uidaho.edu