University of Southern Mississippi football star Marcus “M.J.” Daniels has been shot dead.
Daniels was killed in Mississippi on Tuesday night, officials said.
The Southern Miss defensive back was just 21 years old when he died.
The shooting took place at an apartment complex in Hattiesburg.
Daniels’ body was sent to a medical examiner for an autopsy, Forrest County Coroner Lisa Klem told news outlets.
In a statement, via the Hattiesburg American, Hattiesburg police said:
“We are asking the community for their help and to come forward with any information pertaining to this tragic incident and the untimely death of Marcus Daniels.
“We will share as much information as possible without jeopardizing the investigation.
“We are working closely with the university and local officials.”
In a post on X, the Golden Eagles said:
“Southern Miss mourns the loss of MJ Daniels.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Daniels family, friends, and Southern Miss community.”
Southern Miss mourns the loss of MJ Daniels 💛
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Daniels family, friends, and Southern Miss community.
🔗 » https://t.co/NI34HYQ1Wy#SMTTT pic.twitter.com/GEN9bD3h3i
— Southern Miss 🔝 (@USMGoldenEagles) June 12, 2024
Southern Miss coach Will Hall and other university officials joined police and emergency workers at the scene of the shooting, WDAM-TV reported.
Daniels was the starting cornerback for the Golden Eagles last season.
He had 29 tackles tied for the team lead with three interceptions.
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound senior moved to safety for the 2024 season.
He was tied for the lead on the team with three interceptions.
He was expected to enter the 2024 season as a starter, according to the Hattiesburg American.
A statement from USM reads:
“The University of Southern Mississippi and the Department of Athletics mourn the loss of M.J. Daniels, whose life was lost Tuesday evening during an incident that occurred off-campus.
“We send our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time.”
College officials added that counseling will be made to his teammates and other members of the school affected by his death.
Daniels played his first two collegiate seasons at Ole Miss before he transferred to Southern Miss in 2023.
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