NORFOLK, Va. - The Norfolk State University family is mourning the loss of freshman football player Dy-Shawn Simpkins Jr. after he was killed near his hometown of East Orange, New Jersey, on Friday morning.

Details of the incident are under investigation by local law enforcement.

Simpkins, 18, was a graduate of Paramus Catholic High School in New Jersey. He spent the 2016 fall semester attending Jireh Preparatory Academy in Matthews, North Carolina, before enrolling at Norfolk State in January. Simpkins participated with the Spartan football team during its spring practice schedule.

"On behalf of the administration, coaches and student-athletes, we want to express our condolences to Dy-Shawn's family," said NSU Director of Athletics Marty L. Miller. "He will be dearly missed by the entire Norfolk State University family."