College football player MJ Daniels, 21, shot dead as former team Ole Miss say their 'hearts are broken' over his passing

College football player MJ Daniels has died at the age of 21 after being shot Tuesday night at an apartment complex in Hattiesburg, a coroner said.

Daniels, a native of Lucedale, Mississippi, began his college career at Ole Miss before transferring to Southern Mississippi in 2023. 

Southern Miss' football program announced his death on Wednesday, writing on their website that Daniels passed away on Tuesday night in an off-campus incident.

Hattiesburg Police said the shooting occurred at about 9pm on Tuesday, according to the Pine Belt News, with police finding Daniels unresponsive in his vehicle. 

'Our thoughts and prayers are with the Daniels family, friends, and Southern Miss community,' the school said.

Ole Miss' football program also wrote on X, 'Our hearts are broken over the sudden passing of MJ Daniels.

'Please keep the Daniels family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.'

Daniels' body was sent to a medical examiner for an autopsy, Forrest County Coroner Lisa Klem told news outlets.

Southern Miss head coach Will Hall wrote on X, 'We are deeply saddened by the loss of MJ Daniels. 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.

Ole Miss coordinator of recruiting strategy Kelvin Bolden also added on the platform of the former Mississippi player, 'You'll be missed..R.I.P MJ.

'Sending my prayers & condolences to MJ's family & friends, the George County Community, & Southern Miss Football.'

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