Collegiate football coach Eric Mele’s daughter, Samantha Mele, lost her life in a tragic car accident.
Samantha Mele was born in 2007 in Harrisonburg, Virginia. She avoided social media, so little about her personal life is known.
Samantha Mele Died In A Car Accident At The Age Of 17
Eric Mele’s daughter, Samantha Mele, passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 17 due to a tragic car accident in Apex, North Carolina.
At approximately 10:05 p.m., the Emporia Police Department responded to a dispatch regarding the accident in the 4200 block of Highway 58.
Police officers discovered a head-on collision between a 2022 Kia Forte and a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado upon their arrival.
Samantha was a special human who is now in a special place. God has big plans for Sam. He took her to Heaven the same day he did Jesus. Please pray for her to continue shining her light from above. We all have a new guardian Angel.
— Eric Mele 🏴☠️ (@STCoachMele) April 19, 2025
Love, the Mele family 🙏🏼 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/S76r3cOO1m
Samantha’s Kia Forte was traveling westbound when it entered oncoming traffic and collided with a Silverado operated by James Barr of Virginia Beach.
Barr and his rear seat occupant, Dylan Powell, were treated for minor injuries at the scene.
Rebecca Powell, the passenger in the front seat, was transported to MCV Hospital by EMS after sustaining a fractured leg.
Samantha suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to MCV, where she was pronounced dead.
Closed ones and relatives have poured their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Mele’s family to stay strong in this challenging moment. Rest in Peace, Samantha Mele.
Samantha Mele Is Survived By Her Parents And Three Siblings
Samantha’s father, Eric, and mother, Melissa, are devastated by the shocking death of their daughter.
Recently, Eric took to his official Twitter handle to announce the tragic news. He wrote,
Samantha was a special human who is now in a special place. God has big plans for Sam. He took her to Heaven the same day he did Jesus. Please pray for her to continue shining her light from above. We all have a new guardian Angel. Love, the Mele family
Eric Mele
Who doesn’t love a good class Christmas party?! pic.twitter.com/RnjLXLYlx9
— Eric Mele 🏴☠️ (@STCoachMele) December 19, 2023
In the comment section, friends and relatives also mourned the loss of Samantha. One person wrote,
Phelps Family sending our love and support. May God continue to strengthen you.
Jeffrey Phelps
Another person wrote,
I’m so sorry for your loss Coach. Condolences to your family.❤️❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Chadd Braine
The third person commented,
No words Coach… Thinking of you and your family during this most difficult time.
Nate Zitnik
Eric Mele is an experienced and versatile football coach. He currently serves as an Assistant Coach for Running Backs.
A native of Bridgewater, New Jersey, he joined Mississippi State in 2020 as Running Backs Coach.
Before Mississippi State, Mele spent nine seasons at Washington State, coaching running backs (2018-19) and special teams (2015-17) after initially serving as interim special teams coordinator in 2014 and starting his WSU tenure in an offensive quality control role (2012-14).
On the other hand, Samantha’s mother, Melissa, avoided social media, so little is known about her personal life.
In addition, Samantha grew up with her siblings, Jordan, Taylor, and Madison Mele. They are also mourning the tragic loss of their sister, Samatha Mele.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Samantha’s father, Eric, worked the 2005 season as the co-defensive coordinator/special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach at Marist High School.
- Eric was a three-year starter at strong safety and outside linebacker at William Paterson. He earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminal justice in 2002 and his master’s in sports management from American Military University in 2007.
