Former Father Gabriel Richard Standout Sam Peoples, Passes Away at 24, Leaving Behind His Mother and Two Brothers
Rest in peace, Sam. You were loved by so many, and you will never be forgotten.
NewsReshmaDecember 5, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 5, 2026
The Ann Arbor community is heartbroken after the sudden passing of Sam Peoples, a 2019 graduate of Father Gabriel Richard High School and a former varsity football player.
Sam died last week at the age of 24. As of now, the family has not released the cause of death, asking only for privacy and prayers during this painful time.
Father Gabriel Richard High School’s athletics department shared the sad news on social media with a short but emotional message:
“With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of Sam Peoples, a beloved 2019 graduate of Father Gabriel Richard High School.
We ask that you please keep the repose of Sam’s soul and his family in your prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.”
Sam, born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, was the son of Tanya Niemiec and grew up with two brothers.
Those who knew him describe him as kind, funny, and full of light; someone who could make anyone smile.
At Father Gabriel Richard, Sam was well-known on the football field. He played varsity as a long snapper and punter, wearing jersey #69.
Sam Peoples (Source: Hudl)He also suited up for JV lacrosse in jersey #22.
Even years after graduation, teachers, coaches, and classmates remembered him as a hardworking teammate with a big heart.
Read More-: Michigan State Community Mourns the Passing of Beloved Superfan Steven DiVietri
Friends and family have flooded social media with memories and tributes.
Lucy Paulic wrote a message that captured what so many are feeling:
“I love you Sam. Rest in peace my beautiful sweet boy. Watch over your mom, brothers and grandma now. RIP sweet angel.”
Via InstagramAnother close family friend, Doug Wendt, shared updated funeral details and added his own words:
“Sam was an amazing young man and, like his mother and two brothers, he brought great light into the world.”
Via FacebookSam Peoples’ funeral will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, located at 411 Florence Street in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
Friends and family are invited to gather for a visitation beginning at 11:00 AM, giving everyone a chance to pay their respects and offer support to Sam’s mom, Tanya Niemiec, his two brothers, and the rest of the family.
The Funeral Mass will follow at 12:00 PM, celebrated by Sam’s uncle, Fr. Antoninus (Chris) Niemiec.
It will be a special moment for the community to come together, pray for Sam, and celebrate the joyful young man who brought so much light to everyone around him.
If you knew Sam from Father Gabriel Richard High School, sports, or simply through his warm smile, your presence will mean a great deal to his loved ones during this difficult time.
Many from the Franciscan University community in Steubenville, where Tanya and her family have deep ties, plan to travel to Michigan to support the family.
Sam Peoples leaves behind his mother, Tanya, his two brothers, his grandmother, uncles, aunts, cousins, and countless friends who will miss his laugh and his kindness every day.
Rest in peace, Sam. You were loved by so many, and you will never be forgotten.
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