Tragic Loss Shocks Community: What Really Happened to the Promising 18-Year-Old College Football Star?

When you think about the roar of college football stadiums—the thundering crowds, the palpable tension—do you ever pause to wonder about the fragility of those bright young lives destined for gridiron glory? Mycheal Edwards-Wallace was just stepping into that world, an incoming freshman at Newberry College with a shining future as a standout lineman from Kingstree High School. But a tragic shooting has cut short a promising journey at the tender age of 18, leaving a community reeling and hearts shattered. It makes you question how quickly dreams can be silenced, even before the first snap. The Newberry family and fans alike are grappling with this loss, pouring out prayers and memories as they cling to the legacy of a talented, beloved athlete gone far too soon. For those who’ve ever felt the goosebumps inside those intimidating stadiums, this story is a sobering reminder that life off the field can be just as unpredictable, just as raw. LEARN MORE.

Prayers are pouring in after a college football player was killed in a shooting at 18.

Mycheal Edwards-Wallace, an incoming freshman football player at Newberry College in South Carolina, was one of two people killed in a shooting over the weekend. He was a recent graduate of Kingstree High School, where he was an All-State player and the Male Athlete of the Year.

Newberry head coach Todd Knight released a statement, expressing his heartbreak.

“Our hearts go out to his family,” Knight said in a statement. “It’s such a tragedy for a talented young man to be struck down at a young age. He was a good student and a great young man with a terrific personality and a bright future. We were really excited to have him as a part of our team. He will always be a part of our Newberry family.”

Newberry College released a full statement.

“Newberry College is mourning the loss of incoming football student-athlete Mycheal Edwards-Wallace. Edwards-Wallace was an offensive and defensive lineman for Kingstree High School. He was a South Carolina Football Coaches Association Class AA all-state selection, as well as an all-area and all-region pick as a senior. He also participated in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, the nation’s oldest high school all-star game, featuring 44 of the top players from North Carolina and South Carolina,” the statement read.

“He was also named Kingstree High School’s Male Athlete of the Year.

“The entire Newberry College community extends its deepest condolences to Mycheal’s family, friends, and teammates. We are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”

Prayers are pouring in for his friends and family members.

“21 is way to young. Prayers for the family and fellow Newberry College community,” one fan wrote.

“His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched,” one fan added.

“My heartfelt condolences, prayers, and thoughts are extended to his family, friends, and college community,” one fan added.

“This is heartbreaking news. I always recall the year a freshman died in a wreck on his way to report to NC football for the first day. Prayers to those who knew amass loved Mycheal,” one fan added.

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