Southern football mourns the loss of coach Derek Moore
Joplin, Mo. -- Missouri Southern State University is mourning the loss of Assistant Football Coach Derek Moore.
Coach Moore passed away from injuries received last night in a shooting outside a local movie theatre.
Moore,
37, was in his first year with the Lions as offensive line coach. Coach
Moore came to MSSU this year after coaching for three seasons at
Western Illinois University. He had coached collegiate football for a
total of 14 seasons.
He leaves behind a 7-year-old son.
"We
are stunned and deeply saddened by this tragic incident, and our
prayers are with Derek's family," said MSSU Interim President Alan
Marble. "We are ensuring that our employees and students have the
emotional support they need during this difficult time."
"Derek
was new to Missouri Southern but he was embraced by our campus and
community," said Head Football Coach Daryl Daye. "He was a very likeable
person who always had a smile on his face and made friends easily with
our staff and players. This is an unspeakable loss for the MSSU
athletics family."
Festivities for Homecoming were canceled in the wake of the tragedy and the game has been postponed.
Grief counselors are available to students and employees.
"The
Missouri Southern athletics community is deeply saddened by the events
that have occurred," said Athletics Director Jared Bruggeman. "In times
like this, our priority is to make sure we are there for our
student-athletes, coaches and support staff in whatever way necessary."
Plans are being made for a candlelight vigil Monday on the MSSU campus.
At this time, no other changes to the schedule have been announced.