Life is often a series of high-octane moments followed by long, quiet stretches. For Nathan Simmons, those high-octane moments happened on the turf of Boone Pickens Stadium. If you followed Big 12 football in the late 90s, you knew the name. He wasn't just another player; he was the son of a coaching legend and a powerhouse in his own right. But recently, the news surrounding him took a turn that nobody—especially the Oklahoma State community—was prepared for.
Honestly, it’s the kind of story that makes you hug your people a little tighter.
The Tragic Hit-and-Run in Colorado
The question of what happened to Nathan Simmons has a heartbreaking answer that surfaced in the summer of 2025. On a Saturday morning in early August, Nathan was found dead in Westminster, Colorado. He was only 46 years old.
The details are jarring.
Police responded to a call around 6:30 a.m. regarding a body in the road. It wasn't a medical emergency or a health complication. Investigators quickly determined that Nathan had been struck by a vehicle. To make matters worse, the driver didn't stay. They fled the scene, leaving a former elite athlete alone on a suburban Denver street.
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Here is where the story gets weird. A suspect actually returned to the scene less than three hours later. Police took that person into custody and towed a vehicle believed to be involved, but the damage was done. We lost a man who still had half his life ahead of him.
Remembering the "Cowboy" Legacy
To understand why this hit the Oklahoma community so hard, you have to look back at the 1990s. Nathan wasn't just a beneficiary of nepotism because his dad, Bob Simmons, was the head coach. He earned every yard.
- Career Stats: He rushed for nearly 2,000 yards during his time at Oklahoma State (1996–1999).
- The 1998 Season: This was his breakout. He put up 937 yards and five touchdowns.
- A Family Affair: He played during a golden era for his family, specifically 1997 when his father was named Big 12 Coach of the Year.
He was a bruiser on the field. I remember watching old clips where he’d just lower his shoulder and refuse to go down. That grit defined his collegiate career. When the news of his passing broke, current OSU coach Mike Gundy—who worked under Nathan’s father back in the day—was one of the first to offer public condolences. It felt like a member of the family had been taken too soon.
Sorting Through the Confusion
Whenever a name like Nathan Simmons pops up in the news, the internet tends to get things tangled. You've probably seen other "Nathan Simmons" stories floating around, and it's easy to get confused.
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For instance, there was a well-known Pastor Nathan Simmons (often referred to as Prophet Nathan Simmons) who passed away years ago. His sermons still go viral on YouTube today, leading many to search for him in 2026. Then there's a young wide receiver also named Nathan Simmons making waves in Nevada high school football right now.
But the "Nathan Simmons" people are asking about in a "what happened" context is almost certainly the former RB. The suddenness of the Colorado accident created a vacuum of information that fueled a lot of social media speculation.
The Investigation and Aftermath
Westminster police haven't released every detail about the suspect’s motive for returning to the scene. It’s a rare occurrence in hit-and-run cases. Usually, people who run stay gone. The fact that the individual came back suggests a level of panic or perhaps a late-hitting realization of what had occurred.
The Simmons family has always been private but deeply respected. Bob Simmons wasn't just a coach; he was a mentor to hundreds of young men. Seeing him have to bury his son is a heavy burden that the sports world has felt deeply.
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Lessons From a Life Cut Short
It’s easy to look at this as just another headline, but there are real takeaways here. First, the reality of road safety—even in quiet suburbs—is no joke. Second, it highlights how much a single person can impact a community. Nathan wasn't just a "stat" on a football card. He was a son, a father, and a teammate.
If you want to honor his memory, the best thing you can do is support the organizations that helped shape him. Many fans have been donating to Oklahoma State's athletic scholarship funds in his name. Others are simply sharing their favorite "Simmons era" memories online to keep his spirit alive.
Next Steps for Readers:
Check out the official Oklahoma State Athletics page or follow Westminster Police Department updates if you’re looking for the latest on the legal proceedings regarding the hit-and-run. If you're a fan of the Pokes, revisiting the 1997-1998 season highlights is a great way to remember Nathan at his peak.