A linebacker at Arkansas-Pine Bluff died early Tuesday morning after suffering a gunshot wound outside his home in Louisiana, the school said Wednesday.
Lydell Hartford Jr., a freshman walk-on linebacker last season, was shot by a 16-year-old boy identified as Hartford’s friend around midnight Monday in Waggaman, La., according to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Department. Hartford, 20, was found lying in his driveway after being shot in the neck and was pronounced dead about an hour later, the sheriff’s department release said.
“Our hearts and prayers really go out to Hartford and his family,” UAPB Coach Monte Coleman said in a statement released Tuesday night by the university. “He was proud to be a part of the team. I am sad to see another young person leave this earth too soon. He will be missed.”
According to police, Hartford and the teen, whose name was not released, were inside a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro in front of Hartford’s home in Waggaman. The teen was sitting in the back seat of the car and found a .38-caliber pistol in the vehicle that belonged to Hartford’s mother.
Police said witnesses told them the teen said he was “unloading it” and that Hartford told him “you’re going to hit somebody in here.” Witnesses told police that the teen began pulling the trigger “three or four times” and the gun fired, hitting Hartford in the neck.
The sheriff’s department release said Hartford was removed from the car and 911 was called for help. Hartford was lying in the driveway when police arrived. He died about an hour later.
The teenager was arrested and charged with negligent homicide.
UAPB Athletic Director Lonza Hardy Jr., said counseling services will be made available to students and staff members.
“Although he was part of our athletics program for a short time, he will be missed,” Hardy said. “Our heartfelt condolences are extended to Lydell’s family.”
Hartford didn’t record a tackle last season but traveled to late-season games - a photo on UAPB’s website showed him holding the Southwestern Athletic Conference championship trophy - and worked with linebackers coach Earl Buckingham.
“He was a good kid and loved being on the team,” Buckingham said. “Our team is hurting and offers our condolences to his family and all those that knew him.”
Hartford joined UAPB’s team midway through last season and suited up for its victory over Jackson State in the SWAC Championship Game in Birmingham, Ala. Coleman told the Pine Bluff Commercial on Tuesday that Hartford did not participate in spring practice in April and had “decided to go back home.”
“It’s a shock to us all,” UAPB Chancellor Dr. Laurence Alexander said in a statement. “We are saddened by the news of his death and offer our condolences, thoughts and prayers to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Sports, Pages 19 on 07/24/2013