A rising star in college football was gunned down after more than 50 gunshots were fired at his vehicle at around midnight on Thursday, July 1.
Georgia‘s Kennesaw State University football has lost a rising star.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has reported that student athlete Ladarius Clardy was shot and killed in Pensacola, Florida.
Sheriff Chip W. Simmons spoke about Clardy’s murder at a recent press conference, reporting that the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office received a call for emergency medical services at around 12 a.m. on Thursday, July 1. The call stated that a 2016 Honda had driven over the embankment at the intersection of West Fairfield Drive and Hollywood Avenue.
When deputies arrived at the scene, they discovered two men with gunshot wounds in the car: Clardy, 18, who was driving the vehicle at the time of his death, and a passenger, 19.
According to Sheriff Simmons, more than fifty gunshots had been fired at the vehicle. Clardy was pronounced dead at the scene.
“The injuries that Ladarius Clardy suffered ultimately took his life,” the sheriff said.
“We are devastated and heartbroken over the death of Ladarius Clardy,” KSU head football coach Brian Bohannon said in a statement released by the university. “Ladarius was an excellent teammate and left a mark on this program with his positive attitude. He will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ladarius’ family at this difficult time.”
The passenger, who was transported to a local hospital to undergo surgery, has since been identified as Eric Young.
19 year old Eric Young fighting for his life in critical condition. He was wounded July 1 riding in the car that was riddled by bullets killing 18 year old Ladarius Clardy. Eric’s mother is talking to Channel 3 News tonight @weartv pic.twitter.com/MrAHybzOAN
— John Rupolo (@Rupolo_Reporter) July 6, 2021
According to Young’s mother, he was “struck by bullets multiple times in several areas of his body.” She noted that he is in pain and is still in critical condition, but doctors have said that he is expected to make a full recovery.
Investigators are now offering a $10,000 reward for information that will lead them to the shooter.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office has released a picture of a black 2014 Ford Fusion that the shooters were riding in. “The car has been located and seized, but investigators want to know more about its whereabouts before and during the homicide,” the sheriff’s office said.
