The community surrounding Alexandria High School is mourning the loss of Jeremy “Ryan” Lambert, a 16-year-old two-time Alabama state wrestling champion who died Friday night, June 26, after a single-vehicle crash in rural Calhoun County.
According to authorities, the crash happened on Friday evening in Calhoun County. Emergency crews were sent to the scene after reports of a single-vehicle collision came in. Despite efforts to save him, Lambert died from his injuries. As of Saturday, the official cause of death had not been confirmed.
Lambert was entering his junior year at Alexandria High School and was known throughout the area for his success on the wrestling mat. He had won the Alabama state wrestling title twice during his high school career, a rare accomplishment that made him a standout athlete not just at his school but across the region.
His former wrestling coach, Frank Hartzog, spoke about the loss in an emotional statement shared with the community.
“Heavy hearts as we mourn this tremendous loss,” Hartzog said. “I hoped it was all a bad dream but our wrestling family lost a teammate and friend far too soon. We are praying for his family and everyone who knew and loved him. You will be missed, but never forgotten.”
The news of Lambert’s death spread quickly among local schools, with administrators and students alike expressing grief and offering condolences. Pell City Principal Jason Deason wrote on Facebook that he was joining the community in prayer for Lambert’s family and loved ones. Saks High School also shared a tribute, posting a memorial poster in his honor on social media.
Lambert’s wrestling career began making headlines years earlier. As a freshman, he helped lead Alexandria’s program to a major milestone, ending an eight-year absence from the top spot at the Calhoun County wrestling tournament.
During that tournament, Lambert won the 108-pound weight class and was voted the meet’s most valuable wrestler, an early sign of the talent and drive that would define his time on the mat.
Friends, coaches, and teammates have continued to share memories and tributes online since news of his passing broke, describing him as a gifted athlete and a beloved member of the school community. Many have pointed to his dedication to the sport and his impact on teammates as reasons his death has hit the wrestling program and broader student body so hard.
Alexandria High School has not yet released details regarding funeral arrangements or any planned memorial services for Lambert.
Community members are expected to gather in the coming days to honor his memory, following a pattern seen in other recent tributes from neighboring schools.
The crash remains under investigation, and no further details about the circumstances leading up to the collision have been released by authorities at this time. It is unclear whether speed, road conditions, or other factors played a role in the single-vehicle accident.
Lambert’s death adds to a difficult stretch for the Calhoun County area, which has also been dealing with other recent local tragedies.
For now, the focus remains on supporting his family, his teammates, and the wider Alexandria High School community as they process the sudden loss of a young athlete many considered a rising star.
This is a sensitive topic involving the death of a minor. If you or someone you know is struggling with grief or loss, support resources are available, and I’m happy to help you find them.
