(BCSNN) — Ole Miss freshman defensive lineman Corey Adams was fatally shot Saturday night in Cordova, Tennessee, authorities confirmed. The 18-year-old New Orleans native was found with gunshot wounds inside a vehicle near the intersection of Forest Hill-Irene and Walnut Grove Road, according to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to reports of gunfire around 10:14 p.m. in the Fern Glade Cove area, a residential neighborhood on the outskirts of Memphis. Adams was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts by law enforcement and emergency personnel. Four other adult males sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to local hospitals in non-critical condition. No arrests have been made, and investigators are treating the case as a homicide.
Ole Miss released a statement Sunday expressing sorrow over Adams’ death. “We are devastated to learn that Corey Adams, a freshman on the team, passed away last night in Cordova, Tennessee,” the program said. “While our program is trying to cope with this tragic loss, our thoughts are with his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Out of respect for his family, we will not be commenting further at this time. We ask the Ole Miss community to keep Corey in their thoughts and respect the privacy of everyone involved.”
Adams enrolled at Ole Miss in January and was expected to contribute to the Rebels’ defensive line this fall. A standout at Edna Karr High School in New Orleans, Adams earned back-to-back All-State honors and was named the New Orleans metro area Defensive Player of the Year in 2024. He recorded 47 tackles, 15 sacks, and four forced fumbles in his senior season, helping lead Edna Karr to a state championship. His commitment to Ole Miss over offers from LSU, TCU, and Texas A&M reflected his rising profile in college football circles.
Adams was widely regarded as a promising talent with a fierce competitive spirit and a bright future ahead. His untimely death has left teammates, coaches, and fans mourning the loss of a young man whose story was only beginning to unfold.
