Jacksonville State commit among four dead in Dadeville, Ala. mass shooting event
Jacksonville State Gamecocks commit Philstavious Dowdell is among four who passed away following a shooting in Dadeville, Alabama that took place on Saturday night, according to William Thornton of AL.com.
Dadeville pastor Ben Hayes, who is the senior pastor at Dadeville First Baptist Church, and the team chaplain of Dadeville High School and chaplain of Dadeville police, relayed to Thornton that “as many as 250 people were outside an east Alabama hospital early this morning to hear word of loved ones injured or killed in a shooting at a 16th birthday party.”
“It was a very sad, sad scene,” Hayes said, per AL.com. “A very rough night.”
According to reports, four have passed away, and as many as 20 are injured the day following a shooting at a birthday party in Dadeville Saturday night, per multiple reports.
The aforementioned Dowdell is among the four who passed away, according to Hayes. Additionally, the pastor added that the party was for the football player’s sister.
Upon hearing the news, Jacksonville State head coach Rich Rodriguez released a statement, explaining how heartbroken he is regarding the situation.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Philstavious Dowdell and the other victims of the senseless tragedy last night,” the statement read. “He was a great young man with a bright future. My staff and I are heartbroken and hope that everyone will support his family through this difficult time.”
Moreover, Hayes doesn’t know what could’ve started the incident, but he’s distraught over the situation.
“This is a good family in our community, good kids,” a shaken Hayes told Thornton. “Some of the best people heading this party.”
In the day since, Hayes has scheduled a prayer vigil at his church, stating he “wanted to let God work on the hearts of people.”
The thoughts and prayers of the football world are with the family and friends of Philstavious Dowdell, as well as every victim affected by the shooting in Dadeville on Saturday.