As the University community processes the aftermath of Sunday’s shooting, the Virginia Athletics community is grieving the loss of three student athletes. Three Virginia football players — second-year student Devin Chandler, third-year student Lavel Davis Jr. and fourth-year student D'Sean Perry — were shot fatally Sunday. Third-year student Mike Hollins underwent a second surgery Tuesday and a fifth student was also injured.
In a written statement shared Monday, Head Football Coach Tony Elliott said he cannot find the words to express the devastation and heartache the team is experiencing.
“These were incredible young men with huge aspirations and extremely bright futures. Our hearts ache for their families, their classmates and their friends,” Elliott said. “These precious young men were called away too soon. We are all fortunate to have them be a part of our lives. They touched us, inspired us and worked incredibly hard as representatives of our program, university and community. Rest in peace, young men.”
Students, faculty, staff and community members could be seen leaving flowers, notes and other items at the entrance of Scott Stadium Wednesday, creating an informal memorial. Governor Glenn Youngkin was also seen dropping flowers.
Schools across the conference and the nation have demonstrated solidarity with Virginia and the families of the victims. In an Instagram post, the ACC Student Athlete Advisory Council said it was heartbroken.
“As representatives of our own schools and the conference as a whole, we mourn for those affected and will keep the U.Va. student-athlete family and the Charlottesville community in our thoughts,” the post read. “We are all Hoos today.”
The Atlantic Coastal Conference has also shown its support of the Virginia Athletics community. In a statement Monday, ACC Commissioner Phillips said the conference’s thoughts and prayers are with all of those impacted and that the ACC plans to continue to assist Virginia Athletics and the University.
“The ACC is a family and when one member of our family hurts, we all hurt,” Phillips said.
Social media saw many messages of support from other schools, including Virginia Tech, whose women’s basketball team donned warm up shirts with #HokiesForHoos prior to its game Monday night.
Many Hokie programs have joined in the support — among them, football.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Coach Elliott, his staff, the Virginia football team and the entire Charlottesville community during what I’m sure is a very difficult time,” Virginia Tech Football Coach Brent Pry said. “I can’t imagine what they’re going through with the loss of these talented young men.”
In a press conference Tuesday, Athletic Director Carla Williams said athletic teams will continue with scheduled games for the remainder of the season, though a decision has not been made yet concerning the football team’s upcoming game Saturday against Coastal Carolina. Plans will be announced “soon,” Williams said.
The next scheduled competition for a Virginia team is women’s basketball Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. against Loyola.
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