Former Nebraska offensive lineman Cole Pensick died in a single-vehicle accident in rural northeast Polk County on Saturday morning. He was 32.
Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a call at approximately 6:42 a.m. on Saturday morning of a pickup between trees at the south T intersection of 141st Road and Q Road. According to a release from Polk County Sheriff Dwaine W. Ladwig, Pensick was driving a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado westbound and failed to stop at the stop sign. The truck then left the roadway and came to a rest in the trees. Pensick was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident occurred roughly 14 miles southwest of Columbus, where Pensick lived.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating the accident. Sheriff’s office personnel determined seat belts were not in use.
Pensick played at Nebraska from 2009-13. He was a second-team All-Big Ten Selection as a senior and was named to the Rimington Watch List before that season. In total, he played in 36 games as a Husker, starting in 14 of them. Pensick was a Lincoln native, one of two in-state signings in Nebraska’s 2009 recruiting class, and graduate of Lincoln Northeast. He was a two-time all-state selection as a football standout for the Rockets. Pensick was also a high school track gold medalist and a podium finisher in wrestling.
Mourning the loss of one of our own.
On behalf of the Nebraska Football program, our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends & teammates of former Husker lineman, Cole Pensick, who passed away yesterday at the age of 32. pic.twitter.com/x0dVO574Wc
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFBNation) April 9, 2023
Pensick graduated with a degree in agribusiness from Nebraska in December 2012. While at Nebraska he was part of school and hospital outreach initiatives, according to the university.
