HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT) – A Southern Miss football player was killed during a shooting in Hattiesburg.
Forrest County Coroner Lisa Klem said 21-year-old Marcus “MJ” Daniels, Jr., of Lucedale, was shot at Ivy Row Apartments on Tuesday, June 11. Hattiesburg police said the victim was discovered inside a vehicle at the location.
Klem said McDaniels’ body was sent to the medical examiner for an autopsy.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the Daniels family. We are doing all that we can to locate the perpetrators to bring justice to the victim and his family,” said Hattiesburg Police Chief Hardy Sims. “We are asking the community for their help and to come forward with any information pertaining to this tragic incident and the untimely death of Marcus Daniels.”
McDaniels, who was a senior, was a cornerback on the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) football team. He was on the Ole Miss football team in 2021 and 2022. He attended high school at George County High School.
“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,” said Will Hall, USM head football coach.
“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. We send our sincere condolences to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time,” USM officials said in a statement to WJTV 12 News.
The USM Student Counseling Services has been made available to members of the Golden Eagle football program and individuals close to the university.
Anyone with information about the fatal shooting can contact Hattiesburg police at 601-545-4971.