A student-athlete who committed to the University of Pittsburgh's football program died on Saturday in a car crash in the state of Indiana.

He was identified as Mason Alexander.

Alexander was the passenger in a car that attempted to pass another vehicle just before the top of a hill when another vehicle came the opposite way and struck the car that Alexander was in.

Alexander's car struck a tree in the process and caught fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A small memorial now sits outside the Indiana crash scene.

A four-star defensive back recruit, Alexander played high school football at Hamilton Southeastern High School and, after graduating early, was accepted into the University of Pittsburgh.

"Mason was a special young man who touched the lives of everyone he met. His smile, presence, and energy would light up every room he was in," said Mike Kelly, head football coach of the Hamilton Southeastern Royals.

Alexander was on Pitt's campus as recently as last week, and spoke to the media about why he chose the university, saying the coaching staff treated him like family.

Alexander also mentioned the close bond he had formed with Pitt's defensive backs coach, Archie Collins, who would regularly call and check up on him.

In a statement released by head coach Pat Narduzzi, he said he received a call no parent, teacher or coach ever want to get: the news of the sudden loss of a young and promising life. 

"Our entire program is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Mason Alexander's passing, Mason had just enrolled at Pitt in January," said Narduzzi. "He will always be a Panther to us."