Lousiana State University basketball player Wayde Sims was shot and killed near Southern University’s campus on Friday, September 28.
“We are all devastated,” LSU coach Will Wade said via a statement. “We need your prayers for Wayde, for his family, for all of us. We are heartbroken.”
What Happened?
According to Vibe, Baton Rouge Police Department believe that the shooting that killed Sims took place approximately at 12:25 A.M. Friday on a street south of Southern University’s campus at a Subway restaurant.
After being shot, Sims was taken to the hospital and shortly after being admitted, he succumbed to his injuries and died.
The university announced Friday morning that counselors would be available to students, teammates, and friends who are affected by his loss.
“We are stunned and shaken,” LSU President F. King Alexander said. “To say we are grief-stricken is an understatement. Wayde was a beloved member of the LSU community whose leadership was treasured by his coach and his teammates. I knew him personally and liked him tremendously. The void left by his passing will be immense, and we ask that you keep his family in your prayers.”
The investigation into the murder of the kinesiology student is still ongoing and no formal arrests have been made at this time.
Who Is Wayde Sims?
Sims is a 20-year-old junior student at Lousiana State University. The basketball star, a 6-foot-6 forward, a averaged 5-6 points with 2.9 rebounds in 32 games last season. He was the Lousiana 2014-15 Gatorade Player of the Year after leading University Lab High in Baton Rouge o three consecutive state titles from 2014 to 2016, according to ESPN.
His father, Wayne Sims, was also a basketball player at LSU from 1987 to 1991.
“Wayde Sims’ loss is simply unbelievable to us right now,” said vice chancellor and Athletics Director Joe Alleva. “There are no words that can express our sorrow for his parents and family. He was such a lovable young man who was full of joy. We are circling around his teammates and friends who need all the love and support we can give them. We are praying for his family, for his parents. God bless Wayde Sims.”
LSU teammate Aaron Epps shared his thoughts about Sims on Twitter early Friday morning.
According to the LSU website, a press conference is scheduled for 10 A.M. CT on Friday at the basketball media room. There are no available details regarding memorial services. LSU asks for patience and privacy for the family in this regard.