Oklahoma Panhandle State University Student-athlete Kolt Merrick Passed Away, Leaving his Family and Fiancée

Kolt ran track & field and competed in college football.

October 13, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on October 13, 2026

Kolt Merrick, a track & field athlete of Oklahoma Panhandle State University, passed away unexpectedly on October 11, 2026.

He was a Sayre alumnus who had broken the school record with his 4×100 relay team.

Kolt Merrick first made a name for himself as a superstar in track & field at Sayre Public Schools.

During his racing career, he was a record-breaking machine who left his mark in the record books with his incredible speed.

Similarly, he had another passion for football and decided to try his talents on the gridiron.

He committed to continue his athletic career by playing college football and competing in track & field for the Oklahoma State Panhandle University.

The Sayre Schools family want to express out heartfelt condolences to Kyle, Jen, and the entire Merrick family on the loss of their son, Kolt. We wish them comfort, strength, and peace in the days ahead. At this time, services are pending.

Kolt Merrick’s Family Mourns the Tragic Loss

The Sayre Public Schools announced the tragic news of Kolt Merrick’s passing on October 12, 2026. He was the son of Kyle Merrick and Jennifer McLean, born in Sayre, Oklahoma.

He was a vibrant young man with a bright future, and his life was filled with laughter, love, and remarkable athletic achievement.

Kolt was a proud son who carried on a proud family legacy of athletic excellence, following in the footsteps of his father, Kyle, and his grandfather, Joe Merrick.

His father and grandfather loved playing football and competing in track & field.

When I saw that little boy in his first Sayre Eagle uniform wearing #22 like his dad and his dad’s dad. This big boy is exactly what I pictured. We love you big Kolt Wyatt. On the field and off you make us proud. You’ve grown into a great man. Even if all I can see is that toe headed little boy with the big blue eyes and the sweet smile❤️. Enjoy your final game at Sayre Eagle Stadium!

Kolt was a dedicated athlete for Oklahoma Panhandle State University and represented the grit, determination, and spirit of a faithful Aggie.

His athletic prowess was evident to all who knew him, but his true gift was his ability to bring joy to those around him. He had a natural talent for being funny and was always ready with a joke to lift the spirits of those around him.

His infectious laughter and lighthearted nature created lasting memories for his family, friends, and teammates.

Prayers for the Merrick family 🙏 Brody loved working with Kolt, he said he was always cracking jokes and being funny.

Kolt’s roots were firmly planted in Sayre, a community his family has long called home.

His grandfather, , and grandmother, Sherry Merrick, have been a cornerstone of the family since their marriage on August 3, 1976.

The most recent and joyous chapter of Kolt’s life began on June 29, 2026, when he asked the love of his life, Aubree Hollowell, to be his wife. Their engagement was a future full of promise and shared dreams.

Kolt Merrick leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and strength. His heartbroken parents, loving grandparents, beloved fiancée, and a wide circle of family, friends, and teammates survive him.

Please keep Jennifer (McLean) and Kyle Merrick in your prayers. They lost their son Kolt last night.

A life that burns twice as bright often burns half as long, and Kolt’s brilliant light will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

The family will announce a memorial service to celebrate Kolt’s life at a later date.

Rest in Peace, Kolt Merrick.

In Case You Didn’t Know

  • is originally from Fort Cobb, Oklahoma, and lives in Sayre, Oklahoma.
  • She studied Biology at Bemidji State University and works at Axiota Animal Health.

  • Check other Articles on

Ashish Maharjan, author at Players Bio, has been covering news with a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling. A writer with a passion for capturing the essence of athletic competition.

Related articles

May 13, 2026

May 12, 2026

May 12, 2026

May 8, 2026

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Comment: Please enter your comment! Name:* Please enter your name here Email:* You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here

Δ

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.

Share article

    - May 13, 2026 Residents of Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, are raising serious concerns after a series of violent incidents involving a group of young boys who have been targeting...

    - May 13, 2026 Andrew O' Donnell of Fairfield, Connecticut, passed away at the age of 39. He was born in Fairfield, Connecticut, and later moved to Ancramdale, New...

    - May 12, 2026 Judy (Evans) Milby of Rockwall, Texas, passed away on Saturday at the age of 80. Milby was born on July 25, 1945, to her father,...

    - May 12, 2026 Residents of Dromore, Co. Down, are calling for action after a deeply concerning incident at the local play park, where older children were reported...

    - May 11, 2026 A video circulating on Facebook has sparked a heated debate among Bell Gardens residents after police were called on a group of kids riding...