According to reports on Wednesday, MJ Daniels, a current Southern Miss and former Ole Miss football player, was fatally murdered Tuesday night. It’s a horrible circumstance that has shook the collegiate football community. Daniels was only 21 years old.
The incident occurred in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, according to Evelyn Van Pelt of The Rebel Walk. It’s a genuinely terrible moment for MJ Daniels, who had his entire life ahead of him. Both Southern Miss and Ole Miss published remarks following Daniels’ terrible death. The Golden Eagles provided detailed information on MJ Daniels and his family, whilst the Rebels kept their statement brief yet nice.
According to sources on Wednesday, former Ole Miss cornerback MJ Daniels died of a gunshot wound in Hattiesburg on Tuesday night. Lisa Klem of the Forrest County Coroner’s Office verified Daniels’ death to the Hattiesburg American on Wednesday. “He was 21.”
Here is what Southern Miss had to say about the unfortunate event.
“The University of Southern Mississippi and the Department of Athletics grieve the loss of M.J. Daniels, who died Tuesday evening following an incident off campus. We express our profound sympathies to his family, friends, and comrades at this terrible time.
Meanwhile, Ole Miss University expressed their sorrow on social media.
Our hearts are broken over the sudden passing of MJ Daniels.
Please keep the Daniels family in your thoughts and prayers during this time. pic.twitter.com/bZ790MyAsr
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) June 12, 2024
In addition to both colleges issuing remarks, Southern Miss head coach Will Hall expressed his sympathy on social media as well.
“We are extremely grieved by the passing of MJ Daniels. His smile was contagious and illuminated the room. Please keep MJ’s family and the Southern Miss community in your thoughts and prayers at this terrible time.
It’s unclear what caused the fatal shooting. However, an investigation is now underway. According to Sam Sklar of the Hattiesburg American, the Hattiesburg Police Department has made its own statement while they look for the offender.
“We are encouraging the community to come forward with any information about this unfortunate occurrence and Marcus Daniels’ untimely death. We intend to offer as much information as feasible without harming the inquiry. We’re working closely with the universities and local officials.”
MJ Daniels attended Ole Miss for two seasons before transferring to Southern Miss. He did not play much for the Rebels, but he did get plenty of playing time with the Golden Eagles, where he was a reliable defensive back. Daniels finished his first season at Southern Miss with 28 total tackles, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles.
