Calgary Stampeders defensive back Mylan Hicks has died after being shot outside a nightclub.
The CFL said Hicks, 23, died in an act of violence over the September 25 weekend. “Teams, players, coaches, executives and media all extended their thoughts and sympathies over Twitter,” said the CFL.
The cause of death: Hicks died by gunfire. The Calgary Stampeders are a professional Canadian football team from Calgary, Alberta, in Canada.
A CTV reporter said the shooting occurred after a bar fight between Hicks and others.
Global News quoted police as saying, “the altercation began in the bar before moving outside where it escalated and ultimately led to Hicks’ death,” although the motive was not clear.
However, Global News quoted an eyewitness as saying there was not a fight inside the bar, and added that Hicks was shot in the stomach outside the establishment and taken to a hospital, where he died.
According to CJAD, “several players were at the Marquee Beer Market & Stage after their win Saturday against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.” At 2:30 a.m. Sunday morning, police responded to a report of a shooting at the club, and found a gunshot victim. Three suspects are in custody, said the station. The players who were with Hicks were not identified.
Hicks played for Michigan State and was formerly on the San Francisco 49ers roster. According to the CFL, “Before Hicks turned pro, he played four seasons (2011-14) at Michigan State. Despite missing four games with an arm injury in 2014, he set a career high with 19 tackles and also had four pass breakups. He was the Spartans defence’s recipient of the Biggie Munn Award for being the most inspirational player.”
According to The San Jose Mercury News, Hicks “signed with the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in May 2015 before being released at the end of training camp.”
Michigan State paid tribute to Hicks on social media, as did other football players and teams.
“The loss of this 23-year-old young man at this stage of his life and his career is an unfathomable tragedy,” said Ken King, president and CEO of the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation, on the Stampeders website. “Our sympathies to Mylan’s family and to the Stampeders family of players, coaches and staff.”
Hicks’ death comes on the same day that fans learned a boating accident had killed Miami Marlins’ pitcher Jose Fernandez. His death also came on the same that the sporting world lost golfing legend, Arnold Palmer.
Learn more about Fernandez’ and Palmer’s deaths here:
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Mylan Hicks Cause of Death: How Did the Football Player Die?