Former OSU Running Back Nathan Simmons, Son of Bob Simmons, Died in a Hit and Run Accident

STILLWATER – Former Oklahoma State running back Nathan Simmons, who followed his father Bob Simmons from Colorado to play for him when he was the head coach at Oklahoma State, died over the weekend in a hit and run accident. The word first started to come out at the Oklahoma State practice on Sunday, but there were no details. Pokes Report tried to confirm that there was an accident but we could not. Eric Bailey of The Tulsa World first reported the accident having had it confirmed by Bob Simmons. 

The accident reportedly occured in Westminster, a suburb of Denver, Colo. There is no confirmation whether Nathan Simmons was a pedestrian or was in a vehicle that was struck. The other car involved was said to have left the scene but later returned. The details are still sketchy. Bob Simmons told The Tulsa World that services for his son are pending. Natah Simmons would have been close to 47-years of age. 

Tulsa World

Nathan Simmons

The younger Simmons was a big-time high school running back recruit out of Boulder High School where his father was an assistant coach for the Colorado Buffaloes before he was named head coach at Oklahoma State in the winter of 1995. Bob Simmons was the first African-American head football coach at Oklahoma State and in the Big 12 Conference.

CBSSports.com later confirmed more details on the tragic accident:

“Authorities in Westminster, Colorado, said officers responded around 6:30 a.m. to reports of a body in the road. Simmons was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators believe he was struck and killed by a vehicle that fled the area.

Police later arrested a suspect who returned to the scene less than three hours after the incident. The individual was taken into custody, and the vehicle believed to be involved was towed by investigators. The motive for the suspect's return remains unclear.”

Nathan Simmons had 1,819 yards rushing and scored 29 touchdowns during his senior season and was named a Super Prep All-American. He had lots of offers but chose to follow his father and play at Oklahoma State. It wasn’t easy as there were other good backs on those Cowbopys teams including future NFL player Jamal Fobbs. 

Alchetron

Bob Simmons

Simmons finished his college career as a multiple All-Big 12 All-Academic performer and had 501 carries for 1,990-yards, 14 touchdowns, and a 4.0-yards per carry average. His best season was 1998 when he carried 204 times for 937-yards, five touchdowns, and 4.6-yards per carry. He also caught a career high 11 passes for 88-yards that season. His career spanned from 1996-1999. 

Bob Simmons coached from 1995-2000 and finished with an overall record of 30-38, 16-31 in Big 12 play. His best season was an 8-4 finish in 1997 and an Alamo Bowl bid.   

Current Cowboys head coach Mike Gundy, a member of Simmons’ staff his first season in Stillwater, posted on social media, "Condolences and prayers to Coach Simmons and his family with the loss of former Cowboy Nathan Simmons."