HATTIESBURG — Southern Miss football player Marcus “MJ” Daniels Jr. was shot and killed Tuesday at an apartment complex in Hattiesburg.

Daniels, a Lucedale native, was 21 years old.

The shooting happened late Tuesday night at the Ivy Row housing complex on Ivy Row Circle.

Forrest County coroner Lisa Klem told media outlets that Daniels had been shot, and his body was being sent to the medical examiner for an autopsy.

Hattiesburg television station WDAM reported that Southern Miss coach Will Hall and other university officials joined police and emergency workers who responded to the scene of the shooting.

Daniels was a starter at cornerback for Southern Miss last season. He had 29 tackles tied for the team lead with three interceptions. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound senior moved to safety for the 2024 season and was expected to be a starter again.

Daniels was a Clarion-Ledger Dandy Dozen selection and a four-star recruit from George County High School. He played his first two seasons at Ole Miss before transferring to Southern Miss in 2023.

In a statement, Southern Miss said it has made counseling services available to members of the football program and individuals close to the university.

“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,” Southern Miss’ statement said. “We send our sincere condolences to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.”