Alex Foster, an 18-year-old member of the Baylor University football team, has died after a violent shooting in his hometown. The news was reported on social media by Mississippi-based reporter and Magnolia Shine podcast host Blake Levine.
According to ESPN, Foster was from Greenville, Mississippi, and redshirted the 2024 season at Baylor, going through practice this spring.
The local police department confirmed they responded to reports of a shooting at 12:11 a.m. Wednesday (May 28) where an unidentified single male victim was found in his car with multiple gunshot wounds and pronounced dead after being transported to a hospital. No arrests have been made, and an investigation is ongoing.
“We are heartbroken by the unexpected loss of Alex Foster, a beloved teammate, friend, and a cherished part of the Baylor Family,” relayed Vice President and Director of Athletics Mack B. Rhoades, IV and Head Football Coach Dave Aranda, in a joint statement.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Alex’s family and all those who loved him. In this time of deep sorrow, we draw strength from our faith and the unwavering love of the Baylor community. Our immediate focus is on supporting Alex’s family and his teammates through this devastating loss. Alex’s memory will forever be a part of Baylor University.”
Aranda also made a separate, personal statement on social media.
“Alex was a beloved member of our Baylor Family, and we are devastated by this loss. In his time at Baylor, he made a long-lasting impact on all of us in the program. Our hearts are broken, and our prayers are with his family, friends and all those who loved him so deeply.”
Sports Illustrated reported Foster was expected to play a role in the two deep on the defensive line this fall.
According to CNN, the shooting was part of a “surge in violent crimes” in the city, where Mayor Errick D. Simmons issued a curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. to stop the “senseless killings.”
“It’s to protect the lives and well-being of every Greenville resident in light of this growing crisis. … we cannot stand by and let violence rip through our neighborhoods. Enough is enough,” he exclaimed.
VIBE sends our condolences to the family, friends, and teammates of Alex Foster.
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