LAUDERDALE LAKES, Fla. — A former running back at Tennessee State University was fatally shot outside a South Florida liquor store on Saturday, authorities said.
Trabis Ward, 31, of Fort Lauderdale, was fatally shot outside J & L Liquors in Lauderdale Lakes at about 12:30 a.m. Saturday, according to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies found Ward on the ground outside the store and rendered aid until Broward Sheriff’s Fire Rescue arrived and transported him to an area hospital, WSVN reported. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital, the television station reported.
We are saddened to learn of the passing for former Tiger Trabis Ward. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, teammates and coaches. 🕊 pic.twitter.com/E1JPWTcXJe
— Tennessee State Football (@TennStateFB) October 10, 2020
Ward, a Fort Lauderdale native, was a star running back at Dillard High School and excelled at Tennessee State from 2009 to 2012. Ward rushed for 1,422 yards and 15 touchdowns during his final season at Tennessee State and left the school a year early to enter the NFL draft, according to The Tennessean.
He was not drafted, but he signed with the St. Louis Rams as a free agent in 2013, according to WSVN. He was later cut.
Detectives said they believed there were many witnesses to the shooting, but they ran for cover, the Sun-Sentinel reported.
Investigators are asking any witnesses with information about the shooter to contact Broward County Sheriff’s homicide detectives Samantha Cottam at (954) 321-4544 or Phillip Reynolds at (954) 321-4210.
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