Former Kansas State quarterback Dylan Meier, who lettered three seasons for the Wildcats from 2003-06, tragically passed away at the age of 26 on Monday as a result of a hiking accident in Arkansas. According to a report from Newton County (Ark.) Sheriff Keith Slape, Meier died from a fall at Whitaker Point, also known as Hawksbill Crag, while hiking with his family.

Meier, who started 11 career games at quarterback, threw for 2,287 yards and 12 touchdowns during his K-State career and was a member of the Wildcats’ 2003 Big 12 Championship squad.

“Dylan was an absolutely unbelievable young man in all the right ways,” head coach Bill Snyder said. “He was a leader in our program and was mature well beyond his years. He possessed all the intrinsic values that make one successful and guided others in that same direction. His spirit and passion for life, adventure and for others will live on in the hearts and minds of all of us that he touched. We will dedicate our spring game and our upcoming season to the memory of Dylan, the spirit he brought to this program, and to his family.”

In remembrance of Meier, the K-State Athletics Department and football program will honor the former Wildcat with a video tribute and moment of silence prior to Saturday’s Purple/White game.

The son of Dennis and Valerie Meier, Dylan came from an athletic family as his brother Shad lettered at K-State from 1997-2000 and went on to a successful career in the NFL and his brother Kerry was an All-Big 12 wide receiver at Kansas through the 2009 season.

An Academic All-Big 12 performer in the classroom, Meier was a standout athlete at Pittsburg High School where he was a SuperPrep All-American before attending K-State.

Funeral arrangements are pending.