E.A. Sports Today

RIP, Jeremy Lambert

State-champion Alexandria wrestler confirmed as 16-year-old victim in Friday night single-vehicle crash near Ohatchee.

Cover photo: Jeremy ‘Ryan’ Lambert wins the 120-pound championship final against in a 15-2 major decision on Feb. 14 in Huntsville’s Von Braun Center. (Photo by Joe Medley/East Alabama Sports Today)

By Joe Medley
East Alabama Sports Today

Alexandria two-time state-champion wrestler Jeremy “Ryan” Lambert was the 16-year-old victim in a fatal single-vehicle crash near Ohatchee on Friday night, Alexandria principal Derek Cobb confirms.

Cobb confirmed the identity of the victim after reaching out to Lambert’s family.

According to an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency release, the accident occurred at approximately 10 p.m. Friday and claimed the life of an Alexandria juvenile. 

“The 16-year-old was critically injured when the 2007 Jeep Cherokee that the teen was driving left the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned,” the release said. “The teen was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash and was ejected. The teen was transported to a local area hospital for treatment, where the juvenile later succumbed to injuries and was pronounced deceased.

“The crash occurred on Vineyard Road near Lowimoore Road, approximately six miles east of Ohatchee, in Calhoun County. Nothing further is available as Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.”

Lambert had just completed his sophomore year at Alexandria High School. He won the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 1A-4A 120-pound championship final in February in Huntsville’s Von Braun Center, defeating St. James’ Noah Rains in a 15-2 major decision.

Lambert helped Alexandria to a state-runner-up finish.

His passing prompted several social-media posts expressing condolence to Lambert’s family and paying tribute to him.

“Absolutely heartbreaking and still in disbelief,” said Frank Hartzog, who announced his retirement as Alexandria’s wrestling coach after the season. “My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.”

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

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