A Tuskegee University football player was shot and killed on Friday, and a suspect has been arrested and charged with his death.
According to AL.com, Reginald Tyrone Summage Jr., 20, was found wounded in a parking lot after officers responded to a report of a person shot at Washington Plaza in the 700 block of West Martin Luther King Highway. Summage was pronounced dead at the scene.
R.I.P. Tuskegee University WR Reginald Summage Jr. killed in Friday shooting
— HBCU Premier Sports & News (@HBCUSports1) March 21, 2022
* Condolences and Prayers to the Summage Family and
Tuskegee Athletics 🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/ilwC5HrWu5
Jennifer Jordan, Tuskegee Police Chief, said that Summage was trying to break up a fight at an off-campus party when he was shot. however, She could not yet confirm the circumstances surrounding the deadly shooting.
Investigators identified the suspect as 21-year-old Marquavius Lee Debro, who is not a student of Tuskegee University, and took him into custody on Saturday. He has been charged with murder being held on a $150,000 bond in the Macon County Jail.
In a Facebook post, Tuskegee University Alumni Southeastern Region wrote that Summage was an honors student and a ‘Star athlete” working toward his degree in construction science management.
“Summage was a sophomore construction science management major from Montgomery, Alabama,” the statement reads. “He was an honor roll student during the 2021 academic year and a star athlete for the Tuskegee Golden Tigers Football team as a wide receiver.”
Tuskegee University President Dr. Charlotte P. Morris shared her condolences to Summage’s family in the statement, stating that losing such a talent to a senseless crime is always challenging.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Reginald’s family and friends. Losing such a young and talented member of our Golden Tiger family to a senseless act of violence is always tough,” Morris said. “We extend our deepest condolences and support to all who loved him at this incredibly difficult time.”
Reginald “Reggie” Summage will forever be in our hearts and we are extending our deepest condolences to his friends and family. 🙏🏽🤍
In the midst of this difficult time, we encourage those in grievance to always seek support when needed.
Campus
Counseling: (334)-727-8244 pic.twitter.com/3FyA0OBDAI— Tuskegee Athletics (@MyTUAthletics) March 20, 2022
Summage’s football coach and athletic director Reginald Ruffin noted he was a model student-athlete who inspired his teammates and friends with optimism and cared for others.
According to the post, Summage had just recovered from an injury and was eager to get back on the field before he tragically died.
