A shooting on Sunday morning left one newly drafted football player injured and his friend dead, according to NBC News.
Corey Ballentine sustained non-life-threatening injuries after being shot at over the weekend in Topeka, Kansas. Unfortunately, his roommate and former teammate Dwane Simmons was fatally shot in the same incident.
Per the news outlet, police responded to calls of gunfire near Washburn University's campus around 12:45 a.m. Sunday. Simmons was pronounced dead at the scene, a representative for the Topeka Police Department confirmed to NBC News.
Our hearts go out to the family of Washburn Univ defensive back Dwane Simmons in the tragic loss of their son to gun violence.We also pray for the recovery of his teammate Corey Ballentine, who was also injured. #StoptheViolence.
. #prayers
#love
#peace
pic.twitter.com/c0aq3UdqBh— Rev Jesse Jackson Sr (@RevJJackson) April 29, 2019
Mere hours before the shooting occurred, CNN reports Ballentine had just been selected by the New York Giants in the sixth round of the NFL draft.
It’s all a crazy dream until you do it. I can’t even explain the emotions I have right now. S/o the people that told me to pick a more realistic career. This is as real as it gets. Thank you to the Giants organization for believing in me. It’s only up from here. #GiantsPride
pic.twitter.com/86EiwIP4fM— Corey Ballentine???????? (@cbxiii__) April 27, 2019
Washburn University President Jerry Farley mourned Ballentine's injuries and Simmons' death in a statement obtained by the news site.
"Both Dwane and Corey have been great examples and representatives of the football team and of Washburn University in general," Farley said on Sunday. "This was a terrible way to end a day which should have been a day of celebration and a day to look forward to Dwane's upcoming year at Washburn and the beginning of Corey's professional career."
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The Giants issued a separate release confirming the team had been in communication with Ballentine.
Statement from the #NYGiants: We are aware of the tragic situation and continue to gather information. We have spoken to Corey, and he is recovering in the hospital. Our thoughts are with Dwane Simmons’ family, friends and teammates and the rest of the Washburn community.
— New York Giants (@Giants) April 28, 2019
"We have spoken to Corey, and he is recovering in the hospital. Our thoughts are with Dwane Simmons' family, friends and teammates and the rest of the Washburn community," the statement read.
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