Adam Gress, a Penn State offensive tackle who played in Happy Valley from 2009 to 2013, has reportedly passed away according to 247sports.com and some of Gress’ former teammates.

R.I.P Gress one the funniest and hard working guys I know. My condolences goes out to his family https://t.co/KrM5zxVpPD

— Deion Barnes (@DBarnes_18) December 22, 2017

The Penn State Football Family would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family & friends of former letterman Adam Gress. His commitment to this university & this program will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/RN2q8nFfVa

— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) December 22, 2017

Heaven gained one hell of an offensive tackle this week, and even more of a special human being. Few people’s presence can light a room like you could, Gress. I’m lucky to have had you in my life, see you soon buddy.#58Forever

— Joe Marvin (@63_Productions) December 22, 2017

My condolences to the Gress family @GressSquatch had great energy & kept people around him in good spirits. Every player apart of those @PennStateFball locker rooms from 2012 – til now had a huge impact on my life. Hurts to hear this. #WeAre R.I️.P. Big Fella ??

— Da’Quan Davis (@dcxvii_) December 22, 2017

So sadden / heart broken to hear the news about Adam Gress. Not only was he a great teammate but an awesome friend. Adam was in the 2009 recruiting class and was a big component in helping restore the roar back in 2012. Gress I love you man this one hurts to the core. #WeAre

— Stephon Morris (@Morr12S) December 22, 2017

According to reports, Gress — who was serving as a construction site manager according to teammates — was injured during a fall, and tragically never recovered. It’s unclear where the fall occurred.

Gress was part of the fabric of loyal Penn Staters who helped keep the program together once NCAA sanctions were levied against the program. He helped keep the team together, and was a large reason why Penn State was able to weather the nearly impossible task it faced in rebounding from the sanctions.

Rest Easy Big Guy, love you brother ?? #ForeverFamily #Gress https://t.co/5EzOoHyMtX

— Malcolm Willis (@M_Willis_Ichi) December 22, 2017

My thoughts & prayers are with the Gress family. RIP 58

— Bill Belton (@chillbelton) December 22, 2017

Everyone in this picture deserves to be remembered forever, and so we will. RIP @GressSquatch. https://t.co/ycL8rPKDTE pic.twitter.com/wO2H1XHQwJ

— Kevin Horne (@KevinHornePSU) December 22, 2017

Gress’ Penn State career took off upon the arrival of Bill O’Brien, who helped mold the former three-star recruit into the 6-foot-7, 320 pound behemoth he became. In 2013, Gress became a starter at right tackle, helping to keep freshman quarterback Christian Hackenberg safe in the pocket during his impressive freshman campaign.

After his collegiate career, Gress was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent. Though he did not make the final roster, Gress suited up for the Giants in the preseason — most notably during the Hall of Fame Game.

What an awesome experience it was playing in the #HOFGame 3 years ago. Still thankful for the opportunity the @Giants gave me. pic.twitter.com/R3p2IbY7Bw

— Adam Gress (@GressSquatch) August 3, 2017

The Penn State community lost a valued member. Gress would have turned 27 next week.

Rest in peace, Adam.

About the Author

David Abruzzese

David is a senior from Rochester, NY, nestled right in beautiful Western New York. He is majoring in Broadcast Journalism, and as an avid sports fan, he passionately supports the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres. He is the first Penn Stater from his family, and couldn’t be prouder to represent Penn State University. In his free time, he likes to alpine ski, and play golf. You can follow him on Twitter @abruz11, and can contact him via email at davidabruzzese@onwardstate.com.

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