Houston Baptist men’s basketball star Darius Lee was tragically shot and killed while at a gathering in New York on Monday, the university confirmed.
He was just 21 years old.
According to the NYPD, the shooting occurred at what appeared to be a barbeque in Harlem at around 12:40 a.m.
Cops say when they arrived on the scene following reports of gunfire, they found nine people — seven males and two females — suffering from gunshot wounds.
Absolutely heart-wrenching news about the passing of Houston Baptist star Darius Lee earlier today.
HBU coach Ron Cottrell provided a statement on Lee. pic.twitter.com/my0fVihYSh
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 20, 2022
@GoodmanHoops
Lee, who was ID’ed by Houston Baptist as one of the seven injured males, was transported to a nearby hospital after being struck in the chest by a bullet. He was sadly pronounced dead there, cops say.
Police say a firearm was recovered at the site of the shooting, but no further details regarding the incident were revealed. Cops say they’ve yet to make any arrests and an investigation is ongoing.
Houston Baptist officials mourned Lee’s death on Monday, with men’s basketball head coach Ron Cottrell calling the 6-foot-6, 230-pound wing “a remarkable young man.”
“We are in shock and cannot wrap our heads around this news,” Cottrell said. “My heart breaks for his mom, his sister and his entire family, and for our basketball team. The only thing we find comfort in right now is knowing where Darius is. He is in the arms of Jesus… we know that as fact. And we will see him again some day.”
Lee was Houston Baptist’s best player last season … averaging 18.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. The rising senior was expected to graduate in December, the school said.
“As great of a basketball player as he was, he was an even better person,” Cottrell said. “I can’t even think of basketball right now. I can only think of what a light Darius was during his short time on earth. He was a joy to coach and we loved him so much.”
RIP.