After shooting at Virginia, coach Tony Elliott & AD Carla Williams issue statements on tragedy

In the wake of a shooting at Virginia that killed three football players and wounded two others, the University of Virginia has released statements from football coach Tony Elliott and athletics director Carla Williams on the tragedy.

Three players — receivers Devin Chandler and Lavel Davis, as well as linebacker D’Sean Perry — were killed following a shooting near campus Sunday night.

“I cannot find the words to express the devastation and heartache that our team is feeling today after the tragic events last night that resulted in the deaths of Lavel, D’Sean and Devin, and the others who were injured,” Elliott said in the statement.

“These were incredible young men with huge aspirations and extremely bright futures. Our hearts ache for their families, their classmates and their friends. These precious young men were called away too soon. We are all fortunate to have them be a part of our lives. They touched us, inspired us and worked incredibly hard as representatives of our program, university and community. Rest in peace, young men.”

Added athletics director Carla Williams:

“As a mother of three children, I ache for the parents and family members. We lost three talented and bright young men. We will never see what their impact on the world would have been, but we will never forget their impact on us. I miss Lavel, D’Sean and Devin. I pray for peace, comfort and hope for their parents and loved ones. For their teammates, coaches and friends, I pray for strength and a peace that surpasses all understanding.”

Shooting at Virginia involved several football players

Sunday night’s shooting near the Virginia campus involved several football players. Former football walk-on Chris Jones was named as the suspect in the shooting and was apprehended on Monday morning.

UVA president Jim Ryan released a long statement to the University of Virginia community in the early morning hours on Monday, describing the tragic events.

“Around 10:30 p.m. last night, there was a shooting on Grounds,” Ryan’s statement said. “One of our students, Christopher Darnell Jones, Jr., is suspected to have committed the shooting. The suspect remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous. …

“As of this writing, I am heartbroken to report that the shooting has resulted in three fatalities; two additional victims were injured and receiving medical care. …

“This is a message any leader hopes never to have to send, and I am devastated that this violence has visited the University of Virginia. This is a traumatic incident for everyone in our community, and we have cancelled classes for today (Monday, Nov. 14).”

Along with the deaths of Chandler, Davis and Perry, running back Mike Hollis was confirmed as one of the injured parties in the Virginia shooting.