Former Badger Devin Chandler killed in University of Virginia shooting

Kyle Jones,
Posted:
Updated:
by Kyle Jones

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Former Badgers wide receiver Devin Chandler was one of three people fatally shot on the campus of the University of Virginia Sunday night.

Three people were killed and two others injured in a shooting at a garage on the school’s campus. University of Virginia police identified the suspect as Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., a former UVA football player.

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Chandler played in six games for the Badgers last year and four games in 2020, including the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. He transferred to Virginia after the end of last season.

Badger coaches and players were set to speak to the media Monday but canceled following the news of Chandler’s passing. The team later shared a statement on social media saying Chandler was “a tremendous young man and a great teammate.”

In a separate statement, Wisconsin Director of Athletics Chris McIntosh said the department is “devastated” by the news.

“Everyone in our athletic department is devastated to hear that former Badger football student-athlete Devin Chandler has died as a result of the shooting that took place Sunday night at the University of Virginia. Devin spent two years as a member of our football program” his statement reads. “It is heartbreaking and tragic that Devin’s young life was cut short by violence. Devin and his family and friends are in my thoughts and we are here to support in any way we can. In addition, we are offering counseling and support services to our current student-athletes and athletic department staff members.”

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Badgers interim head coach Jim Leonhard added that Chandler “had a lasting impact on his teammates” and “was a joy to be around.”

Chandler’s former teammates expressed their condolences on Twitter, too.

Virginia defensive end D’Sean Perry and wide receiver Lavel Davis Jr. were identified as two other people killed in the shooting. Perry’s father confirmed his death to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Davis’ cousin confirmed his death on Twitter.

University president Jim Ryan later confirmed Chandler, Perry and Davis’ deaths during a press conference.

The university was placed under a shelter-in-place order Monday following the shooting. The order was lifted at around 9:30 a.m. but classes have been canceled. Police confirmed Monday that Jones was taken into custody.

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