The University of Southern Mississippi, commonly known as Southern Miss, is grappling with the tragic loss of one of its student-athletes. Marcus “MJ” Daniels, a senior defensive back on the Golden Eagles football team, was shot and killed on June 11 at the Ivy Row housing complex in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Originally from Lucedale, Mississippi, the 21-year-old Daniels was a distinguished player on the team, having transferred from Ole Miss.
Daniels was discovered unresponsive in his car, suffering from gunshot wounds. He was declared dead at the scene. Lisa Klem, Forrest County Coroner, confirmed that Daniels’ body was sent for an autopsy. The circumstances that led to the shooting are still under investigation by the Hattiesburg Police Department.
Southern Miss head coach Will Hall and other university officials joined police and emergency medical personnel at the scene. In an official statement, the university expressed its sorrow over Daniels’ death and announced the availability of counseling services for affected students. “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,” the statement said. “We send condolences to his family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time.”
Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker also expressed his deep sorrow, urging the community to extend their support to Daniels’ family and the Southern Miss community. “This is a terrible situation. Please offer your thoughts, prayers, and support to the Daniels family, his friends, the Southern Miss football team, and the entire university. Hattiesburg is like a family, and Southern Miss is essential to our community,” said Mayor Barker.
Daniels, who stood 6-foot-2 and weighed 195 pounds, played his first two college seasons at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) before transferring to Southern Miss in 2023. Last season, he recorded 28 tackles, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles and was expected to start as a safety in the upcoming season.
Three suspects – Orlando May, 18, Allen Marcus Gardner, 17, and Samir Green, 16 – have been arrested in connection to Daniels’ death. They have been charged with capital murder and attempted carjacking. The Hattiesburg Police Department took the suspects into custody.
Ivy Row’s parent company, Caliber Living, expressed its deep regret over the incident and confirmed its collaboration with the ongoing investigation. The company extended its condolences to Daniels’ family and reassured residents of its commitment to safety.
As the investigation progresses, the Southern Miss community fondly remembers Daniels for his contributions to the football team and his positive impact. “He was a bright young man with a promising future ahead of him,” said James Ray, Daniels’ former coach at George County High School. “His loss is deeply felt by everyone who knew him.”
The Hattiesburg Police Department has appealed to the public to come forward with any information that might help in the investigation.
