Vanderbilt University student-athlete Kwane Doster, well known to Commodores fans as a game-breaking running back for the football squad, tragically died early Sunday from injuries sustained in a shooting in his hometown of Tampa, Fla.
University and athletic officials at Vanderbilt expressed shock upon hearing news of the death. One of the team’s most popular players, Doster was a three-year letter winner and recipient of the 2002 Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Year Award.
Head Coach Bobby Johnson issued the following statement on behalf of those associated with the Vanderbilt football program.
"We are shocked and heartbroken. Kwane’s death is a terrible and tragic loss to our Vanderbilt family. Everyone who knew Kwane, from his fellow players and students, his coaches and their families, and even fans, have suffered a personal loss today. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kwane’s mother Kelly, his aunt, Harriet, his three siblings, and his many friends," Johnson said.
David Williams II, Vice Chancellor of Student Life at Vanderbilt, issued the following statement on behalf of the university.
"Everyone who knew Kwane is deeply saddened by this news. Our university expresses its deepest sympathies to the family. We are all hurt. Kwane was a fine young man who brought many gifts to all he touched. He will be greatly missed," Williams said.
Born and raised in Tampa, Doster entered Vanderbilt following a stellar football and baseball career at Robinson High School. He made an immediate impact upon arriving in Nashville, quickly establishing himself as one of the Commodores’ most exciting players. He became the first Vanderbilt player ever recognized as the SEC Freshman of the Year after setting a team record of 798 rushing yards. He also earned freshman All-America honors from various publications.
He was the team’s active career rusher with 1,621 yards and ranked third all-time with 1,759 kick return yards.
Doster was a junior at the university, majoring in Human and Organizational Development.
Specific details of the shooting were not available.
For more information, please visit http://www.vucommodores.com.