College Football Player Corey Adams, 18, Dies After Being Fatally Shot in Tennessee: 'Tragic Loss' By Raven Brunner

A college football player was fatally shot in Tennessee. 

Corey Adams, 18, was found in a vehicle by deputies after a shooting took place at around 10:14 p.m. local time on Saturday, July 19, near a residential area in Cordova, according to a statement from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO).

Deputies provided “life-saving measures” to Adams on the scene, but the athlete, who was a defensive end for the University of Mississippi’s Ole Miss Rebels, was later pronounced dead by the Shelby County Fire Department (SCFD). 

“Upon arrival at Fern Glade Cove, deputies found multiple shell casings and learned that four adult males arrived by personal vehicles to area hospitals with gunshot wounds,” officials said. 

The other four shooting victims are in noncritical condition. The shooting is an ongoing homicide investigation.

In a statement shared on X, Ole Miss Football said the organization is “devastated” by Adams’ death.

“While our program is trying to cope with this tragic loss, our thoughts are with [Adams’] loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement said. “Out of respect for his family, we will not be commenting further at this time. We ask the Ole Miss community to keep Corey in their thoughts and respect the privacy of everyone involved.”

Adams, a New Orleans native, previously played football at Edna Karr High School in Louisiana. 

The school’s football Facebook page shared an emotional tribute to the late teen, writing that they were “heartbroken and tormented to pieces.”

The tribute remembered Adams as “a friend, brother, son, student, and all-around great young man.”

“We never question God, but this is one we just don’t understand. This wasn’t supposed to be the end of his story,” the post continued. 

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.  

The 2025 football roster on the Ole Miss Sports website lists Adams as a college freshman in the freshman studies major.

He is survived by his parents, Corey Adams and Chantrel Bernhart.