Former Jackson St. football player dies after altercation

LORMAN, Miss. (AP) - Authorities in Claiborne County are investigating the shooting death of a former Jackson State University football player.

Sheriff Marvin Lucas told The Natchez Democrat (http://bit.ly/1Cpdcn9) an altercation led to the shooting death of 23-year-old Travis Woods of Natchez outside a nightclub early Sunday morning.

Lucas said Woods was taken to a nearby hospital where he died.

The club is located near the Alcorn State University campus.

"We're still trying to figure out exactly what happened before that altercation and during when everything happened," Lucas said. "This is nothing new for that club, though. Over the years, we've have quite a few incidents at that club."

Lucas said another person was also shot, but has since been treated and released.

Lance Reed, who coached Woods at Natchez High School, said he woke up to text messages from some of the former coaching staff, informing him of what happened.

"I'm devastated," Reed said. "Travis was a kid who exemplified hard work and was determined to be a winner. His group of seniors are some that I always talk about. They had the strongest bonds that I ever witnessed. They always wanted to be successful."

After graduating from Natchez in 2009, Woods went on to play for Jackson State and was a member of the 2013 JSU Tiger football team.

Jackson State issued a statement Sunday.

"Jackson State University extends condolences to the family of former student and JSU Tiger football player Travis Woods," said interim Executive Director of Communications Robert Jeuitt. "We are praying that his family and friends find comfort during this difficult time. We are deeply saddened by the loss of a fine young man who had his life cut short."

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Information from: The Natchez Democrat, http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/