DEVASTATING LOSS: Ole Miss Football Freshman Corey Adams Tragically Killed in Memphis Shooting
MEMPHIS, TN – A promising future was cut tragically short this weekend when 18-year-old Corey Adams, a freshman football player at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), was found dead in a car after being shot in a violent incident that rocked the Memphis area. The fatal shooting, which occurred Saturday evening in the Cordova neighborhood, left Adams as the sole fatality among five victims. Four others sustained injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals. Authorities are continuing their investigation as the community reels from this heartbreaking event.
The Memphis Police Department reported that the shooting happened around 9:45 p.m. in a parking lot near a busy commercial area. Officers arrived on scene to find multiple gunshot victims. Adams was pronounced dead at the scene, his body discovered inside a vehicle riddled with bullet holes. Though details surrounding the motive remain unclear, police have confirmed that the shooting was not random and believe it may be connected to a targeted altercation.
Adams, a standout wide receiver from Atlanta, Georgia, had recently begun his journey with the Ole Miss Rebels. A highly recruited athlete known for his speed, discipline, and work ethic, Adams was expected to play a significant role on the team in upcoming seasons. He had just wrapped up his first summer training camp with the program and was preparing to begin fall practice with high hopes for the 2025 NCAA season.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Ole Miss issued an emotional statement expressing their grief:
“We are devastated to learn that Corey Adams passed away last night in Cordova, Tennessee. Corey was more than just a talented athlete—he was a beloved teammate, a humble leader, and a young man with a bright future ahead of him. The entire Ole Miss family is mourning this unthinkable loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.”
The news has sent shockwaves through the collegiate sports world and beyond. Social media has been flooded with tributes from fellow athletes, coaches, fans, and even rivals. Head Coach Lane Kiffin shared a heartfelt message on Sunday morning:
“Corey had the heart of a champion. He worked hard, stayed humble, and brought out the best in everyone around him. This is a heartbreaking loss for our team and for everyone who knew him. We’re going to play this season for him.”
Adams’ family also released a brief but emotional statement, thanking the public for their outpouring of support:
“Our hearts are shattered. Corey was our light, our joy, and our pride. We ask for privacy and prayers as we try to make sense of this unimaginable tragedy.”
A vigil is scheduled for Tuesday night at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi, where students, athletes, and members of the community will gather to honor Adams’ memory. The Ole Miss athletic department is also working with the university’s counseling services to provide grief support to players and students affected by the loss.
As investigators continue to piece together the details of what led to the deadly shooting, the community is left to mourn a life full of promise that ended far too soon. Corey Adams is being remembered not just for his talents on the field, but for the joy, humility, and spirit he brought to everyone who knew him.
He is survived by his parents, siblings, and a large extended family who have asked for privacy during this incredibly difficult time.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the Memphis Police Department or CrimeStoppers.
Rest in Peace, Corey Adams. Your legacy will live on in the hearts of your teammates, your school, and all who believed in your dreams.