Nathaniel Jennings, 19, was fatally shot near a country music bar in Florida early Sunday morning.
Jennings, a freshman, was taken to a local hospital and died after being shot near the Neon Rodeo bar, according to Florida Today.
Police are investigating the motive for the shooting, but Jennings was reportedly arguing with Stephan Dieujuste, 24.
Dieujuste, a former Eastern Florida State College basketball star, claimed he acted in self-defense when confronted by cops after opening fire in Melbourne.
Cops are still investigating what the argument was about.
Investigators searched the scene and discovered blood spatter on a wall of the bar.
Jennings and Dieujuste attended different high schools in Palm Bay, a city located approximately 74 miles from Orlando.
Given that the two men graduated from school in different years, it is unclear how they knew each other, if at all.
Jennings played defensive line for the University of Northwestern football team in Minnesota.
He was in Florida to visit his mother, Autum, for Mother’s Day.
Jennings’ college described him as a “treasured” team member, according to Fox affiliate WOFL-TV.
In 2024, he made 55 tackles.
However, officials praised his impact off the field.
“For as talented as Nate was on the football field, he was an even better person off of it,” they told me.
“His contagious energy and positivity will be missed.”
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Autum, the devastated mother, shared a heartbreaking montage of throwback photos on social media.
She was seen beaming in selfies with her son, who stood six feet two inches tall.
Jennings could be seen wearing football gear in some of the photos.
Autum also shared family photos, a throwback of her son looking dapper in a tuxedo, and beach vacation photos.
Meanwhile, Dieujuste was charged with manslaughter and appeared in court on Monday.
However, the aftermath of the shooting has left locals reeling.
According to statistics, Jennings’ death is the first homicide reported in Melbourne this year.
According to local bar owner Randy Bennett, downtown Melbourne is a “safe location,” according to NBC affiliate WESH-TV.
Jennings’ death comes just weeks after Texas athlete Austin Metcalf was killed in a high school track meet.
Karmelo Anthony was charged with murder after inserting a knife into Metcalf’s chest.