Former Mississippi State wide receiver killed in shooting

Published Jul. 16, 2016 6:47 p.m. ET

foxsports

MERIDIAN, Miss. (AP) A spokesman for Mississippi State University is confirming the death of the school's former wide receiver Chris Smith.

The Clarion Ledger (http://on.thec-l.com/29EASJg ) reports that the 26-year-old Smith was shot and killed Friday night in Meridian. The Meridian Star reported (http://bit.ly/29Lhuzd ) Meridian Police Department Sgt. Dareall Thompson says authorities are trying to determine a motive and were searching Saturday for a suspect.

School spokesman Sid Salter confirmed the death and Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen released a statement describing university officials as shocked and saddened. He called Smith a ''terrific teammate'' with an ''impeccable'' work ethic.

Mullen said: ''Our entire Mississippi State family mourns his loss.''

Smith played in 48 games for Mississippi State from 2009-12. He caught 109 passes for 1,180 yards and five touchdowns. His 109 receptions rank 10th in the university's career history.