Tyler Sash, Former Iowa and Giants Safety, Dies at Age 27

Former Iowa Hawkeyes star safety Tyler Sash, who went on to play two NFL seasons with the New York Giants, died Tuesday at the age of 27.

The Des Moines Register confirmed the news after Scott Reister of KCCI.com reported the Oskaloosa, Iowa, native was found dead by a family member. 

KCCI.com reported Wednesday's autopsy "revealed no acute trauma. The cause and manner of death are pending further investigation and additional laboratory testing." 

Sash was one of the greatest defensive backs in Iowa history, as he reeled in 13 interceptions and racked up 217 tackles in just three collegiate seasons.

His NFL career was short-lived after the G-Men selected him in the sixth round of the 2011 draft, but it was certainly eventful, as he won Super Bowl XLVI as a reserve.

The Giants released a statement on Sash's death, via Paul Schwartz of the New York Post: 

"

We were all deeply saddened today to hear of the passing of Tyler. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tyler’s family and friends and all the Hawkeyes he was so proud to represent.

"

After news of Sash's death went public, there was a great deal of reaction on Twitter from athletes who knew him, especially those who are part of the Hawkeye family.

Iowa announced it will pay tribute to Sash on Saturday:

That included former Iowa running back Albert Young, who left for the NFL just before Sash made the leap to Iowa City:

Current Minnesota Vikings linebacker and former Iowa superstar Chad Greenway expressed his condolences as well:

Even Georges Niang, who is a star basketball player at rival Iowa State, tweeted his support for the fallen Sash:

Sash was a beloved figure in the realm of Iowa football, and the team is likely to play with a heavy heart when it clashes with the rival Cyclones on Saturday.

Although Sash is gone, he certainly won't be forgotten by the Hawkeyes football fans who watched him make so many huge plays for their team during his tenure.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.