HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM/Gray News) – An investigation is underway after a University of Southern Mississippi was found dead with a gunshot wound.
The shooting happened late Tuesday night at the Ivy Row housing complex on Ivy Row Circle in Hattiesburg.
Forrest County Coroner Lisa Klem identified the victim as 21-year-old Marcus Daniels Jr. from George County.
The coroner confirmed Daniels had been shot, and his body was sent to the medical examiner for an autopsy.
A WDAM reporter also spoke with a resident who allegedly made the 911 call immediately after they heard gunshots in the area.
According to the Southern Miss Athletics Department, Daniels, a Lucedale native, played his first season with the Golden Eagles last fall after transferring from Ole Miss. He was a standout football player from George County High School.
A journalist saw Coach Will Hall and other USM officials, along with police and emergency first responders, on the scene Tuesday night.
WDAM obtained a response to the shooting from Ivy Row’s parent company, Caliber Living, saying it is “deeply saddened by the tragic incident” and the company is cooperating with authorities in the investigation, as well as sending its condolences to Daniels’ family.
The University of Southern Mississippi and its athletics department released a statement regarding Daniels’ death.
“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,” the university said in the statement. “We send our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time.”
In the statement, USM said Student Counseling Services has been made available to members of the Golden Eagle football program and people close to the university.
Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker took to Facebook Wednesday afternoon to send his regards to the Daniels family but also urged the public to help law enforcement in its investigation if they have any information about the incident.
“This is an awful situation,” the mayor said. “Please extend thoughts, prayers, and acts of kindness to the Daniels family, his loved ones and friends, the Southern Miss football team and staff, and the entire USM community. Hattiesburg is a family, and Southern Miss is a vital part of that. Please look for ways to support the many affected by this tragedy.”
The Hattiesburg Police Department has not released any further information about the investigation after questions were asked by WDAM about any potential suspects or if the incident poses a threat to the general public.
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