Tupelo (MS) football community mourns death of senior RB Alden Wade

A Mississippi high school is mourning the death of senior running back Alden Wade, who died in a car crash in the early morning hours on Sunday, Oct. 11.

According to a report by WTVA, Wade, a senior at Tupelo High School , was driving a truck when it struck a light pole around 1 a.m. on Cliff Gookin Boulevard. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Tupelo High School and our football team are heartbroken this morning by the tragic loss of Alden Wade,” Tupelo Athletics wrote in a statement posted on X. “He was a great young man who always had a smile on his face and had a great future ahead of him.”

Wade had appeared in three games for the undefeated Golden Wave, tallying 56 yards on six carries. He was also a member of Tupelo’s track and field team.

pic.twitter.com/QDskVSNfNr

— Tupelo Athletics (@TupeloAthletics) October 11, 2026

Since Wade’s passing, teammates have taken to social media to reflect on his life.

“This hurt my heart,” Tupelo junior Braylon Foster wrote. “He was a great kid and a even better teammate, I used to talk to him everyday at practice and pregame. I was just laughing with him Friday. He always cheered the room up. This one is for you my guy. Rest easy Alden, love you man.

This hurt my heart 💔💔,
He was a great kid and a even better teammate, I used to talk to him everyday at practice and pregame. I was just laughing with him Friday. He always cheered the room up.
This one is for you my guy.
Rest easy Alden, love you man. #LLA🕊️❤️💔 https://t.co/zN7WX18FmV

— Braylan Foster (@FosterBraylan) October 11, 2026

The Lee County Coroner’s Office and Tupelo Police Department are investigating the crash.

Tupelo, which is 7-0 on the season, is scheduled to return to the field on Thursday, Oct. 15, as it hosts Hernando.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tupelo (MS) football community mourns death of senior RB Alden Wade