Southern Mississippi Football Player Marcus "MJ" Daniels Jr. Dead at 21 After Shooting

The University of Southern Mississippi community is mourning the loss of a classmate. 

Marcus "MJ" Daniels Jr., a senior who played defensive back for the school's football team, died June 11 after being shot at an off-campus apartment complex in Hattiesburg, Miss., Hattiesburg Police Department confirmed. He was 21.

Daniels was found unresponsive in his vehicle and the Crime Scene Unit confirmed he was pronounced dead on the scene, according to the press release from the department. Police Chief Hardy Sims also shared a plea asking for anyone with more information to come forward.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to the Daniels family," he said in the statement. "We are doing all that we can to locate the perpetrators to bring justice to the victim and his family. We will share as much information as possible without jeopardizing the investigation. We are working closely with the university and local officials."

The college student—who transferred from The University of Mississippi after two football seasons—played his first season with the Golden Eagles last fall, the USM Department of Athletics shared in a statement. In his single season with the team, he registered 29 tackles in his 12 games played and tied for the team lead in interceptions. 

"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 statement said. "We send our sincere condolences to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time."

The team's head coach Will Hall also shared his condolences, expressing what Daniels meant to the team. 

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of MJ Daniels," he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, June 12. "His smile was infectious and lit up the room. Please keep MJ's loved ones and our Southern Miss family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."

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