MOSCOW, Idaho – University of Idaho student-athlete Collin Sather passed away during the early hours of the morning Tuesday, after a battle with cancer. Sather was 19.
 
A redshirt freshman wide receiver on the Vandal football team, Sather was diagnosed with advanced renal cancer last month. He began experiencing stomach pains Jan. 17, and was taken to the hospital Jan. 21. Despite several weeks of dialysis and chemotherapy, the cancer spread to his lungs and neck.
 
"Collin was a tremendous young man and a great teammate," said head coach Paul Petrino. "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."
 
A Spokane native, Sather is a 2018 graduate of West Valley High School where he was a multi-sport standout. He earned first-team All-Great Northern League recognition in football and basketball for the Eagles. Sather was a high school teammate of fellow Vandal football student-athletes Tevin Duke and Connor Whitney.
 
Sather turned 19 Sunday, surrounded by many of his family, friends, coaches and teammates. A GoFundMe campaign was established to help Sather and his family in their fight. Nearly $10,000 was raised on his birthday alone, with support continuing to pour in the past two days.
 
"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. "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."
 
The University of Idaho has counseling and support services available for all students, faculty and staff. Anybody impacted by Collin's loss and needing assistance during this time is encouraged to contact the Counseling and Testing Center at 208-885-6716.