OLE MISS FOOTBALL PLAYER COREY ADAMS SHOT AND KILLED IN MEMPHIS

The Ole Miss football program and the broader New Orleans community are reeling from the tragic death of Corey Adams, an 18-year-old freshman defensive lineman, who was fatally shot in Cordova, Tennessee, a suburb of Memphis, on Saturday night, July 19, 2025. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office reported that Adams was found inside a vehicle with a gunshot wound around 10:14 p.m. at the intersection of Forest Hill-Irene and Walnut Grove. Despite life-saving efforts by deputies and the Shelby County Fire Department, Adams was pronounced dead at the scene. Four other men sustained non-critical gunshot wounds and were transported to nearby hospitals, according to authorities. No suspects have been identified, and the shooting is being investigated as a homicide.

Corey Adams, a New Orleans native, was a standout defensive end at Edna Karr High School, where he earned two-time first-team all-state honors. A three-star recruit in the class of 2025, Adams was ranked No. 609 nationally, No. 57 among edge rushers, and No. 21 in Louisiana. He committed to Ole Miss over offers from LSU, TCU, USC, and others, enrolling early in January 2025 to participate in spring practice under defensive line coach Randall Joyner and coordinator Pete Golding. At 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds, Adams was poised to contribute to the Rebels’ defensive line, especially following the departure of key players like Walter Nolen, J.J. Pegues, and Princely Umanmielen to the NFL.

The Ole Miss football program released a statement expressing profound grief: “We are devastated to learn that Corey Adams, a freshman on the team, passed away last night in Cordova, Tennessee. 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.” Teammates, including Austin Simmons, Deuce Knight, and Diego Pounds, shared heartfelt tributes on social media, with Simmons posting a broken heart emoji and others urging Adams to “rest up.”

Adams’ former high school, Edna Karr, mourned his loss in an emotional Facebook post: “Corey Adams was more than a football player! He was a friend, brother, son, student, and all-around great young man. We never question God, but this is one we just don’t understand. This wasn’t supposed to be the end of his story, but we will #DoIt4Co.” His high school coach, Bryce Brown, called the incident “a tragic reminder of how precious life is, and how quickly it can be taken,” highlighting Adams’ leadership and positive attitude.

The shooting occurred outside a residence on Fern Glade Cove, where deputies found multiple shell casings. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with one resident telling WREG that the home appeared to be hosting a pool party, and the sound of gunfire caused widespread panic. “Huge shots,” the witness said. “I thought there was a big attack happening. I told my children just to lie on the ground and turn off all the lights.” By the time deputies arrived, the partygoers had fled, leaving behind a scene marked by bullet-riddled homes and scattered shell casings.

The Ole Miss community, led by head coach Lane Kiffin, is now grappling with the loss of a promising young athlete just weeks before the 2025 college football season. Adams’ death has sent shockwaves through the SEC and beyond, with fans and teammates alike expressing their sorrow. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers at 528-CASH as the investigation continues.

Corey Adams is survived by his parents, Corey Adams and Chantrel Bernhart. His legacy as a talented athlete and beloved individual will endure in the hearts of those who knew him. The Ole Miss Rebels and Edna Karr Cougars have vowed to honor his memory, with the latter pledging to “#DoIt4Co” in his honor.