BREAKING: Baylor redshirt freshman DT Alex Foster passed away at the age of 18 following a shooting in his home state of Mississippi on Tuesday night,Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades and head coach Dave Aranda issued a joint statement: “We are heartbroken by the unexpected loss of Alex Foster, a beloved member of our football family. Our deepest condolences are with Alex’s family and all who loved him, as we lift them up in prayer now and in the days to come. In this time of deep sorrow, we draw strength from our faith, the love of the Baylor community, and the unbreakable bond forged through the game we love. Alex’s memory will forever be part of our hearts and this program, Foster was the highest-rated high school signee in the Bears’ 2025 recruiting class after starring at St. Joseph High School in Greenville, Mississippi. He redshirted last season…..Read more

Baylor’s Alex Foster, 18, Fatally Shot in Mississippi; Community Mourns Promising Athlete

Baylor University and the broader college football community are mourning the tragic death of redshirt freshman defensive tackle Alex Foster, who was fatally shot late Tuesday night in his hometown of Greenville, Mississippi. Foster, just 18 years old, was a rising star with a promising future ahead, both academically and athletically.

Greenville Police responded to a call shortly after midnight and found Foster inside a vehicle, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to Delta Health Center, where he was pronounced dead. No arrests have been made, and the incident remains under active investigation.

A Star Lost Too Soon

Foster had been the crown jewel of Baylor’s 2024 recruiting class. A four-star prospect, he graduated from St. Joseph Catholic School in Greenville, where he led the football team to back-to-back state championships in 2022 and 2023. His dominant performances on the defensive line earned him recognition as one of Mississippi’s top high school athletes and one of the best defensive prospects in the nation.

Though he redshirted his first year at Baylor, Foster had drawn praise from coaches during spring practices and was widely expected to compete for playing time in the upcoming season. His physical presence and leadership qualities had already made an impression in the locker room.

University Leaders React

Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades and head football coach Dave Aranda issued a joint statement on Wednesday expressing their deep sorrow:

“We are heartbroken by the unexpected loss of Alex Foster, a beloved member of our football family. Our deepest condolences are with Alex’s family and all who loved him, as we lift them up in prayer now and in the days to come. In this time of deep sorrow, we draw strength from our faith, the love of the Baylor community, and the unbreakable bond forged through the game we love. Alex’s memory will forever be part of our hearts and this program.”

Coach Aranda added in a separate note, “Alex was more than a football player — he was a kind, thoughtful, and determined young man who had a bright future ahead. We are devastated.”

Impact on the Baylor Community

The news sent shockwaves through the Baylor campus in Waco, Texas. Counselors and support staff have been made available to students, particularly members of the football program who considered Foster a brother.

Teammates and friends took to social media to share their grief, describing Foster as a humble and dedicated teammate who brought energy and positivity wherever he went. Many remembered him as someone who consistently put in extra work, stayed late after practice, and pushed others to be their best.

A City Grieves Amid Rising Violence

Foster’s death comes at a tense time for Greenville. In response to a recent spike in violent crime, including Foster’s shooting, Mayor Errick D. Simmons declared a state of emergency and enacted a citywide curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Nightlife establishments must now close by midnight under the new emergency directive.

“We have lost too many young lives to senseless violence,” said Mayor Simmons. “The shooting death of Alex Foster has shaken our community to its core. We owe it to him and others to restore peace and protect our youth.”

The Investigation Continues

Law enforcement officials have not released details about potential suspects or motives behind the shooting. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Greenville Police Chief Marcus Turner emphasized that every effort is being made to find those responsible for Foster’s death.

“We are deeply committed to solving this case and ensuring justice for Alex and his family,” Turner said. “This young man had a bright future ahead of him, and it was taken far too soon.”

Remembering Alex Foster

Friends, former coaches, and mentors have described Foster as not only an elite athlete but also a role model off the field. At St. Joseph Catholic School, he was known for his strong work ethic, leadership qualities, and commitment to his faith and family.

“He always led by example,” said his former high school coach, Tony Hughes. “You could count on Alex to do the right thing, to push his teammates, and to give his best — in the classroom, on the field, and in life.”

A candlelight vigil is being planned at both Baylor University and in Greenville to honor Foster’s memory. The Baylor football team is also expected to wear a commemorative patch or armband during the upcoming season in his honor.

Alex Foster’s tragic death is a heartbreaking loss for his family, the Baylor community, and the city of Greenville. While his time was short, his impact was significant, and his legacy as a beloved son, teammate, and friend will not be forgotten.