Corey Adams, an 18-year-old freshman playing defensive line for the University of Mississippi, was killed in a shooting after a pool party in Cordova, Tennessee. Four other men were also shot during the incident, which took place at around 10:14 p.m. on July 19, but their injuries were not considered life-threatening.
According to Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner, the shooting erupted as more than 100 guests were leaving the pool party. Investigators discovered more than 40 shell casings from both rifles and pistols at Fern Glade Cove, indicating that shots were fired from several different guns.
Deputies arrived at the intersection of Forest Hill-Irene and Walnut Grove roads, where they pulled over a vehicle carrying Adams. Despite emergency medical efforts by law enforcement and Shelby County Fire Department crews, Adams was pronounced dead at the scene. The other four victims made their way to local hospitals in private vehicles; three were released by Monday afternoon, while one remained hospitalized.
Buckner shared that deputies had previously responded to a noise complaint at the house where the pool party took place, but the issue was settled at that time. He stated that the shooting happened after the party when guests moved into the cul-de-sac, although investigators have yet to determine what caused the gunfire.
The investigation is still ongoing, and no arrests have been made at this time. Buckner stated that officials are looking for one or more suspects and believe that gunfire came from at least two or three separate firearms. He also pointed out that there is no sign that the gunfire was exchanged, indicating the shooting was not a two-sided event.
At a press conference on Monday, Adams’ mother, Chantrel Bernhart, joined investigators in asking the public for help. She shared that Adams had been at the party for just around 10 minutes before the shooting took place and was simply enjoying a break from practice. Fighting back tears, Bernhart said her son meant everything to her. She explained that Adams was following his dream of playing in the NFL when his life was tragically ended.
The New Orleans native attended Edna Karr High School, where he was a two-time all-state selection. In his senior season, he tallied 19 sacks, 62 tackles—including 21 for a loss—along with a fumble recovery and four deflected passes. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 235 pounds, the defensive end attracted 17 scholarship offers from schools such as USC, LSU, Oregon, Texas A&M, and Mississippi State before ultimately choosing Ole Miss.
Adams, a three-star prospect from the 2025 class, started his Ole Miss journey early by enrolling in January and taking part in spring practices. After his passing, the university issued a statement expressing its heartbreak and requesting that the community honor the family’s need for privacy during this challenging time.
Adams’s alma mater shared a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, remembering him not just as a football player but as a friend, brother, son, and student. The Edna Karr Cougars expressed their sorrow and confusion over his passing, emphasizing that his story was never meant to end this way.
At the press conference, Adams’ younger brother also spoke, describing him as a role model. He recalled that during their final phone call the day before the shooting, as they talked about how practice was going, Adams told him he loved him.
Buckner urged anyone with information to come forward, pointing out that with over 100 people present at the party, there is a good chance someone witnessed or heard something important for the investigation. He also asked neighbors to share any surveillance footage they may have, which could help detectives identify suspects or piece together what happened.
The sheriff’s office has increased patrols in the Cordova area following the shooting. Buckner mentioned that incidents like this are unusual for the area, and investigators are thoroughly looking into all details surrounding the party. Their findings could potentially lead to more charges.
If you have any information related to the shooting, please reach out to CrimeStoppers at 901-528-2274 or contact the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office at 901-222-5600. Authorities are continuing their investigation as they seek justice for Adams and his family.
