An Indianapolis high school Football star who'd signed with SIU has died after a shooting earlier this month in his hometown. 18-year-old Dijon Anderson died in Indianapolis on Tuesday from injuries sustained in a May 6 shooting.
According to the Indianapolis Star, another teenager died in the shooting, a third victim was wounded, but was released from the hospital.
Southern Illinois University football head coach Nick Hill released a statement on Wednesday morning.
"On behalf of Saluki Nation, we are all deeply saddened by the passing of Dijon. He had an infectious personality and was the kind of person who made those around him better. He was what you look for in a recruit. He loved football, he was a competitor and was an incredible teammate. It was an honor to get to know him and his wonderful family, who we will always consider Salukis. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family as they deal with this tragic loss. He will be missed but not forgotten."
Anderson signed with SIU on Feb. 1 and posted this message on his personal Twitter account:
"First off I want to thank God for blessing me and leading me in the right direction in life. I also want to thank all my coaches and all my teachers for believing in me and pushing me to my best ability. I want to thank my mama because if it wasn't for her I wouldn't be here today. My mama never missed one of my games ever in my whole life. She will always be my #1 fan. Also I want to thank all my coaches and mentors because when I wanted to just give up and quit they pushed me. Shoutout to coach Spann and the SIU coaching staff. But I'm just blessed and honored to be able to sign with Southern Illinois University. #RunWithUs"
A safety at Warren Central High School, Anderson was a member of the 2016 All-USA Central Indiana Super Team by the Indianapolis Star and a two-time All-State honoree.
He recorded 14 interceptions in his final three seasons, earned his conference's Defensive Player of the Year award and the team's Special Teams Player of the Year.
Anderson was scheduled to leave for SIU just days after his graduation on June 5.
