Former Football Player Fatally Shot At Birthday Party In Mississippi

A 25-year-old man has died after he was shot while attending a birthday party in DeSoto County, Mississippi, on Saturday.

The deceased was identified as Christian Saulsberry, a former professional running back and native of Southaven, Mississippi.

Saulsberry was shot in the leg and the abdomen at a party held in the 7400 block of Church Road in DeSoto County's Walls at around 3:20 a.m. that day, Fox 13 reported, citing the DeSoto County Sheriff's Department.

Efforts were made to bring the 25-year-old to the hospital, but Saulsberry was pronounced dead on the way there.

Mark McDaniel was arrested in connection with the shooting and death of Saulsberry, the police department said.

The 24-year-old was arrested at his house in Memphis, Tennessee, by Memphis police Saturday afternoon.

McDaniels was charged with second-degree murder and is set to be extradited to DeSoto County, according to an official press release.

The investigation into the case is ongoing. The events that led up to and the motive behind the shooting are unknown as of this writing.

Saulsberry completed one season with the Canadian football team Edmonton Elks.

After learning about his tragic death, the team issued an official statement.

"First and foremost, our hearts go out to his family during this incredibly difficult time. Our condolences are also extended to his friends, including the many teammates and coaches both here in Edmonton and elsewhere, that he impacted throughout his football career," the statement read.

"Christian's contributions to our football team both on the field and in our locker room were significant during his one season with the green and gold," it continued. "His positivity and energy for life will be dearly missed."

Saulsberry also played football for Southaven and Northpoint High School.

With Northpoint, Saulsberry rushed for 2,606 yards and 34 touchdowns in his final two seasons and helped the team to a 13-1 record as a senior in 2015.

Northpoint reached the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association Division II-A state championship game that season but lost 50-20 to St. George's.

Meanwhile, Southaven High School coach John Stevenson remembered Saulsberry as a bright student and a hard-working football player.

"A lot of explosion in a small package. Kind of one of those hybrid guys. You always saw the potential he had," Stevenson told the local newspaper The Commercial Appeal. "It's tough for undersized guys and he was able to make it work all the way for an opportunity to play professional ball. It's a testimony to how hard he worked."