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Tragic Crash Claims Rising College Football Star—What Really Happened That Night?

Tragic Crash Claims Rising College Football Star—What Really Happened That Night?

College football stadiums are known for their bone-chilling atmospheres—places where fans roar louder than a freight train and visiting teams can barely hear themselves think. But what happens when the game’s intensity outside the stadium pales in comparison to a tragedy off the field? On a quiet Tuesday evening, the sports world was shaken by the heartbreaking news that William D. Hardrick, a 22-year-old college football player with roots stretching from Birmingham to Austin Peay—and stops at Mississippi State and Miami of Ohio—lost his life in a devastating car accident. Allegedly involving an impaired driver, the crash on Interstate 65 left many asking: how do you even begin to process such a sudden loss when the clock keeps ticking on and stadium lights keep shining? Coach Jeff Faris put it simply—the team is shattered, the community is grieving, and as fans flood social media with prayers and memories, one thing is clear: Will’s impact was as deep off the field as it was on it. Life, it seems, can throw a flag on the play when you least expect it… LEARN MORE.

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Prayers are pouring in on social media after a college football player died in an “awful” car accident on Tuesday evening.

A 22-year-old college football player was killed in a terrible accident on Tuesday evening. The college football player is believed to have died as the result of a car accident involving an allegedly impaired driver.

William D. Hardrick, from Birmingham, Alabama, was killed. He was playing college football at Austin Peay. He previously played at Mississippi State and the University of Miami (Ohio).

Limestone County Coroner Mike West identified the victim.

From the report:

West said a vehicle traveling southbound on Interstate 65 left the road and flipped several times before the car eventually stopped on Piney Chapel Road. The man who was pronounced dead at the scene has since been identified as Hardrick.

Eight separate crashes on I-65 south were reported at the approximate time, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

A car accident. (Photo by Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Irfan Khan/Getty Images

Austin Peay State University football coach Jeff Faris is deeply saddened.

“William Hardrick was an exceptional young man, and our team is heartbroken by his loss. He made everyone around him better and has made a real impact both on and off the field. We lift up the Hardrick family in prayer as we grieve this tragic loss with them,” he said.

Prayers are pouring in.

“Our thoughts are with the @MiamiOHFootball program and the family and friends of William Hardrick,” one fan wrote.

“ELITE human being! Impacted everyone he spent time with! Rest easy 3,” one fan added.

“The most energetic person! An amazing human being. So many laughs with you man this don’t feel real. 💔 Rest in Heaven brudda🙏🏽,” one fan added.

“So sad to see a young life gone too soon, prayers to his family, friends, coaches and teammates 🙏,” one fan added.

“May God rest your soul, Will. You will be missed 😔,” one fan added.

Our thoughts are with his friends and family members during this difficult time.

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