Former Rebel, current Southern Miss defensive back MJ Daniels shot, killed in Hattiesburg
This story was updated after the release of a statement (below) from Southern Miss Athletics Wednesday morning.
OXFORD, Miss. — Sources Wednesday report that former Ole Miss cornerback MJ Daniels died from a gunshot wound suffered in Hattiesburg Tuesday night.
Lisa Klem of the Forrest County Coroner’s office confirmed Daniels’ death to the Hattiesburg American on Wednesday. He was 21.
Southern Miss released a statement on Daniels Wednesday morning.
“The University of Southern Mississippi and the Department of Athletics mourn the loss of MJ 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.“
Ole Miss football offered condolences on the tremendous loss, saying their “hearts are broken over the sudden passing of MJ Daniels.”
Our hearts are broken over the sudden passing of MJ Daniels.
Please keep the Daniels family in your thoughts and prayers during this time. pic.twitter.com/bZ790MyAsr
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) June 12, 2024
Ole Miss coach Kelvin Bolden, Coordinator of Recruiting Strategy for the Rebels, posted a tribute to Daniels on his Twitter account Wednesday.
You’ll be missed.. R.I.P MJ 🙏🏾
Sending my prayers & condolences to MJ’s family & friends, the George County Community, & Southern Miss Football. pic.twitter.com/1C8FPrsiv4
— Kelvin Bolden (@_kbolden) June 12, 2024
Defensive line coach Randall Joyner also had a message regarding the former Rebel.
Always had a smile on his face! Sending my thoughts and prayers to the Daniels family and everyone. https://t.co/nBC4Vcuxwz
— Randall Joyner (@LetsGo_Bo5) June 12, 2024
Former Ole Miss coach Alex Fault, director of JUCO relations, also offered his heartfelt thoughts.
This one hurts. One of the first players I made a real connection with at Ole Miss and is an amazing young man. He will certainly be missed. Praying for his family. 🕊️🕊️ https://t.co/Y8Q72HatGs
— Alex Faulk aka “Coach Suge” (@CoachAlexFaulk) June 12, 2024
Former teammate Ty Rocconi also commented on the loss of Daniels.
A great teammate and an even better person. Always had a contagious smile on his face. RIP MJ gone way too soon 🙏🏼🕊️ https://t.co/XQfcOP2Z8H
— Ty Rocconi (@CoachTyRocconi) June 12, 2024
Daniels was a starter at cornerback for Southern Miss last season. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound senior moved to safety for the 2024 season and was expected to be a starter again.
Daniels, who entered the transfer portal in January, 2022, found a home with the Golden Eagles, tying for the team lead in interceptions (3) and pass breakups (4). He finished with 28 tackles last season and saw action in 12 games for Southern Miss.
From all accounts, Daniels was expected to be a key player on the defense this coming season.
The senior from Lucedale, Miss. played for George County High School and was chosen for the Dandy Dozen in 2020, the list of top players in the state selected by the Clarion Ledger. He was a four-star prospect.
Daniels provided some excitement on National Signing Day for 2020 as he flipped his commitment from Mississippi State to Ole Miss at the last minute.
We pray for MJ Daniels and his family and all who loved him.
Evelyn Van Pelt
Evelyn has covered sports for over two decades, beginning her journalism career as a sports writer for a newspaper in Austin, Texas. She attended Texas A&M and majored in English. Evelyn’s love for Ole Miss began when her daughter Katie attended the university on a volleyball scholarship. Evelyn created the Rebel Walk in 2013 and has served as publisher and managing editor since its inception.
