Former College Football Player, 23, Dies in Late-Night Crash After His Car Struck Utility Pole

NEED TO KNOW

• Former Jackson State defensive back Levi Wyatt died at age 23 after a two-vehicle crash in Jackson, Miss., police said
• Wyatt’s passenger sustained life-threatening injuries, while the driver of the other vehicle was not hurt
• Jackson State mourned Wyatt’s death in a public tribute, and police are continuing to investigate the crash

Former Jackson State football player Levi Wyatt has died following a car crash in Mississippi. He was 23.

Police responded to reports of a crash near the intersection of North State Street and Belhaven Street in Jackson on Saturday, Aug. 1, at approximately 12:14 a.m. local time, a spokesperson with the Mississippi Capitol Police said in a statement to PEOPLE.

Upon arriving at the scene, officers observed that two vehicles had sustained damage. 

One of the vehicles, a Chevrolet Camaro, had struck a nearby utility pole. The driver of the Camaro suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, per Capitol Police.

A passenger who was also riding in the Camaro was transported to a nearby hospital with “life-threatening injuries.”

The driver of the second vehicle involved in the incident was unharmed. 

Local news outlets WJTV and WAPT later identified the deceased Camaro driver as Wyatt, 23.

The Jackson State football team shared an official statement regarding the former defensive back’s death on X on Saturday.

“The bond of this brotherhood does not end when the game clock expires,” the statement began. “Today, we mourn the loss of our brother, Levi Wyatt.”

“His memory will forever live within the halls of Jackson State Football and in the hearts of everyone who shared this journey with him,” the team continued. “We ask the Tiger Nation to join us in lifting his family and loved ones in prayer during this incredibly difficult time. Rest easy, Tiger.”

In a caption alongside the statement, the team added that “there are some losses that words can never fully explain.”

“May we find strength in one another, comfort in our memories, and peace in knowing he will always be part of Jackson State Football,” the team’s statement continued.

There are some losses that words can never fully explain. Today, our hearts are with the family of Levi Wyatt. We grieve alongside his loved ones and our entire Tiger family as we remember a young man whose life touched ours in meaningful ways. May we find strength in one… pic.twitter.com/PMJ8k9bQLa

— Jackson State Football (@gojsutigersfb) August 1, 2026

Wyatt played for the Jackson State Tigers for a single season in 2025, helping get the team to the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) East Division championship, per Sports Illustrated. 

Follow your favorite athletes on and off the field with PEOPLE’s free sports newsletter — sign up now!

Before joining the Tigers, Wyatt played for McNeese State. He earned second-team All-Southland Conference honors in 2024 and was also named to the 2024 Phil Steele All-Southland Conference Team, per the outlet.

There is currently an active investigation into the fatal crash, according to Capitol Police.

Read the original article on People