The D.J's Music SiteHBCU Campaign is sad to hear and report the lost of an UAPB (University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff) fellow Golden Lion. Who was a member of the 2012 SWAC Champion football team.
The Campaign heard about the lost across it's Instagram timeline Tuesday. The person is identify as Lydell Hartford Jr., who is a linebacker of the University's Football team. According to source; Hartford died after being accidentally shot.
The UAPB issued a statement on the killing Tuesday Night:
Lydell Hartford Jr., freshmen linebacker for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff football team yesterday in a fatal accident in Waggaman, Louisiana. Coaches and administrators at UAPB are saddened by the details of the accident released by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's office (JPSO).
According to authorities, a 16-year-old boy identified as Hartford's friend was playing with a gun and accidentally shot and killed him early Tuesday morning. Hartford, 20, was pronounced dead after suffering a gunshot wound to the neck, according to Glen T. Boyd, spokesman for the JPSO.
Hartford and the teen were in his mother's 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, parked in the driveway of Hartford's home, Boyd said. The teen discovered a .38-caiber pistol that also belonged to Hartford's mother inside the car and began to remove the bullets. Hartford warned him to stop, but the teen ignored Hartford and kept unloading bullets until he thought the gun was empty. The boy squeezed the trigger three or four times until the pistol fired a bullet that hit Hartford in the neck. The teen pulled him out the vehicle and laid him on the driveway. Hartford died about an hour later, Boyd said.
The 16-year-old boy was arrested and booked with negligent homicide. The Sheriff's Office is not identifying the teen because he is a juvenile.
"It is a shock to us all," said UAPB Chancellor Dr. Laurence Alexander. "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."
"Our hearts and prayers really go out to Hartford and his family," said Head Football Coach Monte Coleman.
"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.
UAPB Offensive Coordinator Eric Dooley, also a New Orleans native, knew the school Hartford came from and is well acquainted with his family. He didn't work directly with him at practices and games, but noticed he did everything you asked him to.
UAPB Defensive Coordinator Earl Buckingham worked directly with Hartford and will remember him for his dedication to the team.
"He was a good kid and loved being on the team," said Buckingham. "Our team is hurting and offers our condolences to his family and all those that knew him."
D.J's Music Site Senior Editor and CEO/Founder DJ Jr. will be attending UAPB in the fall for his 4th year there and release his statement this morning after learning about the news. "I will like to offer and send our condolences as well as our thoughts, prayers and love to the Hartford family, his friends and specially to Head Coach Monte Coleman and 2012 SWAC UAPB Champion football team on the behalf of D.J's Music Site's HBCU Campaign Staff. Keep your head up and stay strong during this difficult time."