'Missed on and off the field': Tributes continue to pour in for Sault athlete who died over the weekend

Tributes continue to appear online for Nathan Guizzetti, a 19-year-old from Sault Ste. Marie who died suddenly on Sept. 6.

Guizzetti was starting his second season as a member of the University of Windsor football team.

He 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.

SooToday published a story on Tuesday describing Guizzetti's achievements and how much he was missed.

“Windsor Athletics community is deeply saddened by the passing of Nathan Guizzetti, a valued member of our Lancer football family whose presence will be missed on and off the field,” the university said today on social media.

“Our thoughts are with Nathan’s family, friends, teammates and coaches during this difficult time.”

The statement let the university community know that resources are available. “Reach out if you need someone to talk to,” it said.

St. Clair College, located near the University of Windsor, also issued a statement.

“On behalf of the entire St. Clair College Saints Nation family, I extend our deepest condolences to Nathan Guizzetti’s family, friends, teammates and coaches, and to the entire University of Windsor community following this tragic loss,” said Michael Silvagg, the college’s president.

“Today, we stand with our friends and colleagues at the University of Windsor and the Lancer football family. The loss of a young student athlete is deeply felt across our entire postsecondary community.

“Our thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved Nathan during this difficult time.”

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

“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.

The OHL hockey team that Cole signed with last week also issued a statement about Nathan’s death.

“The Flint Firebirds are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Cole Guizzetti’s older brother, Nathan.

“Our entire organization extends our deepest condolences to Cole, his family, and his friends. Please respect Cole and his family’s privacy during this difficult time.”

A GoFundMe page started on Tuesday, with a goal of $10,000, has raised more than $70,000 for the family.

“We have created this GoFundMe to help ease the costs associated with funeral and memorial expenses,” the page says.

“Any contribution, no matter the amount, will help support Nathan's family during this incredibly difficult time.”

The GoFundMe says the funeral service will be tentatively held on Sept. 18.

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