Jackson State student Flynn Brown was found dead of an apparent gunshot wound on Friday morning.
JSU Student Flynn Brown Found Dead
Flynn, was reportedly found in a car parked at the university. Reports are the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation arrested 20-year-old Randall Smith in wake of the killing. The senseless act of violence seemed to be overlooked a bit with Saturday’s SWAC championship game and Coach Prime’s subsequent announcement that he was taking the head coach position at Colorado.
Brown’s high school coach in New Jersey, Brian O’Connor tweeted out his condolences for his former player.
It is with a heavy heart that I am sad to say the Mt Olive community and football family have lost one of their own. Flynn Brown, was killed yesterday morning while attending Jackson St. More info to come when I have. Thoughts and prayers to the Brown family. pic.twitter.com/xVisRbahf3
— Brian OConnor (@OConnorMOFB) December 3, 2022
O’Connor also has this to say about his former pupil.
“He’s a very talented athlete, a quite kid, a hard worker. It seemed like he had everything going in the right direction, and was trying to get his degree.”
School President Thomas Hudson, who’s been a busy man lately, pinned a message confirming the victim was indeed a student of JSU.
“The loss of a young person is always a devastating circumstance for our campus community. Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time. As a preside I assure you that the safety of our students and campus community is our highest priority.”
Jackson State student offered a spot on JSU football team was shot and killed on campus https://t.co/YfYvyouB25 #NFL #NFLDraftNews pic.twitter.com/9Ahg4h9XSu
— NFL Draft Diamonds ™️ (@DraftDiamonds) December 4, 2022
MBI And Campus Police Continue Ongoing Investigation
The killing sent shock waves throughout the campus, but with the school hosting the SWAC championship it was if this story didn’t get enough pub. Brown was a talented athlete who was set to join the Jackson State football for the 2023 season, having already earned his spot on the roster.
“MBI is currently assessing this critical incident and gathering evidence. Upon completing their investigation, agents will share their findings with the local District Attorney’s Office.”
While authorities did their best to keep things calm in the hours following the incident, some students were still uneasy and let it be known.
Junior Nathan Smith told reporters, “I’m just a little concerned, because we really don’t know what’s going on right now.”
SWAC Championship And Deion’s Decision Took Center Stage
It was a big week in Jackson, with the Tigers hosting it’s second consecutive SWAC championship, but also the rumors of head coach Deion Sanders making the decision on his coaching future following the game. The team completed its first undefeated regular season in school history and also clinched its second consecutive trip to the Celebration Bowl.
That’ll be the final game for Sanders, who’s headed to Colorado to be their next head coach. While it’s a bittersweet moment at JSU, the death of Flynn makes it that much more sour.
