‘We love you Nathan’: Tributes pour in after sudden death of elite Sault athlete

People across Sault Ste. Marie and beyond are mourning the sudden death of a standout local athlete whose “big smile would light up every room he entered.”

Nathan Guizzetti, 19, died over Labour Day weekend in Windsor, where he was starting his second season as a member of the University of Windsor football team.

His younger brother, Cole Guizzetti, shared the tragic news in a heartfelt Instagram post on Monday afternoon.

“You were the best big brother anyone could ever ask for, and you never deserved what happened to you,” he wrote, alongside a gallery of family photos. “I still can’t believe you’re gone, and my heart hurts knowing I have to live without you. I’ll forever cherish our memories, the laughs, and every moment we shared. I love you and I’ll miss you more than words can say.”

Guizzetti was one of the top running backs to ever wear the brown and gold at Korah Collegiate, a two-time league MVP who scored an astounding six touchdowns in the 2024 city championship game. But he was as humble as he was talented, always heaping praise on his Colts teammates while shying away from the spotlight — even after his six-touchdown performance.

“It was pretty cool, I won’t lie,” Guizzetti said that night in a post-game interview, flashing his trademark smile. “But it’s a team win. I couldn’t do it without any of these other guys. We did it as a team.”

Off the gridiron, Guizzetti was also an exceptional hockey player and sprinter. He once ran the 100-meter dash in 10.59 seconds, a city-wide record that still stands.

On Monday night, Korah posted an emotional video tribute to #22 on the football team’s Instagram page.

“Nathan had a profound and positive impact on everyone in his life. His big smile would light up every room he entered,” the post reads. “Nathan’s talent was undeniable, he was the top athlete in the city...but it was his humility that set him apart. He was always the first to praise his teammates and share the credit.”

“Nathan’s greatness will be everlasting,” the post concludes. “We love you Nathan, and we’ll miss you.”

The cause of death has not been released, nor have funeral arrangements.

This is a developing story. SooToday will provide more details as they become available.

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