Former Mississippi State wide receiver Chris Smith was shot and killed Friday night, WTOK of Meridian reported Saturday.
Smith was killed at Frank Berry Courts in Meridian according to Meridian Police Chief Benny Dubose. According to WTOK, the shooting happened around 10:45. Authorities are investigating the cause of the shooting and searching for a suspect. Calls to Dubose were not returned.
Smith was 26.
MSU football coach Dan Mullen offered this statement: “We are shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Chris. Our entire Mississippi State family mourns his loss. Chris was an important part of our first recruiting class and helped set the foundation for our success. He was a terrific teammate and his work ethic was impeccable. He earned his way onto the field as a true freshmen in 2009 and later received his degree from Mississippi State. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family and friends.”
Smith played for MSU from 2009-12. He played in 48 games and hauled in 109 (10th most in school history) receptions for 1,180 yards and five touchdowns. He was a member of three bow teams, including victories in the 2011 Gator Bowl and the 2011 Music City Bowl.
A MSU spokesperson said funeral arrangements are pending.
Several of Smith’s former teammates took to Twitter late Friday night, early Saturday morning to share their thoughts.
“Hands down one of the best players I have ever taken a field with,” former quarterback Tyler Russell tweeted. “Going to miss you brother #8.”
Russell played with Smith at Meridian High School and was in the 2009 singing class with him. After being redshirted in 2009, Russell played three seasons with Smith at MSU.
“My heart aches today thinking about this guy,” former punter Devon Bell tweeted, along with a picture of Smith. “One of the nicest and hardest workers I knew. Rest Easy 8. #Family.”
Bell played one season with Smith (2012) as a freshman.
Current MSU running back Brandon Holloway was redshirted during the 2012 season, but remembers Smith helping him get his college career off to a good start.
“Man this world crazy!” Holloway tweeted. “The first day I got here you had me on the right track man! Just messed up this world full of evil! RIP CHRIS SMITH!”
Hollway will play his final season at MSU this fall.
Follow Dispatch sports writer Ben Wait on Twitter @bcwait
Ben Wait reports on Mississippi State University sports for The Dispatch.
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