STARKVILLE — Former Mississippi State wide receiver De’Runnya Wilson was reportedly found dead Tuesday morning in Birmingham, Alabama per a release from the Birmingham Police Department. He was 25 years old.
Investigators received information from an unnamed relative that Wilson was unresponsive inside the home. Per Birmingham P.D., officers found information inside the house that led them to investigate the crime as a homicide. The investigation is ongoing.
MSU Athletics released the following statement Tuesday night in wake of the incident: “Tonight, we mourn the loss of former Bulldog De’Runnya Wilson. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. Thanks for the many memories you gave us, ‘Bear.’ #BearForceOne.”
During his three-year career in Starkville, Wilson was a key cog in MSU’s historic 2015 season. A second-team All SEC performer that year, he ranked second in the league with 10 touchdown receptions while notching 60 catches for 918 yards.
Current Dallas Cowboy Dak Prescott and Wilson’s quarterback-to-receiver combination also ranked first in school history as the pair totaled 19 touchdowns.
A two-sport standout out of Wenonah High School, Wilson was named the 2013 Mr. Basketball in the state of Alabama. Once at MSU, he played on the Bulldogs’ basketball team for the 2013-2014 season, in addition to his exploits on the football field.
Following his junior season, Wilson went unselected in the 2016 NFL Draft. He did receive a workout with the Chicago Bears, but didn’t make the team.
After fizzling out in the NFL, Wilson spent a brief time in the Arena Football League with the Albany Empire.
Off the field, the former MSU standout had previously run into issues with law enforcement. Wilson was arrested on drug charges in Andalusia, Alabama along with three others in March 2015. He was released on $2,500 bail at the time.
Wilson was also arrested in August of 2016 when a patrolman found a bag of marijuana in the back seat near his foot. Following the incident he was charged with attempting to destroy evidence when he allegedly tried to swallow a Xanax pill at the Oktibbeha County Jail, but it fell on the floor according to an affidavit. The charges were ultimately dropped.
Following the news Tuesday, a number of former teammates and coaches voiced their sadness over Wilson’s passing via social media.
Tim Brewster, MSU’s wide receivers coach during the 2012 season and currently the assistant head coach/tight ends coach at North Carolina, tweeted: “Absolutely crushed to hear that (Wilson)has passed. Loved him so much. Prayers and (love) to whole family in Birmingham. RIP Bear.”
Former MSU quarterback Damian Williams also voiced his sadness via Twitter, writing, “Sad day, rest in peace (De’Runnya).”
Florida coach Dan Mullen — who served as Wilson’s head coach at MSU — released the following statement: “Megan and I are very sad to hear of De’Runnya’s tragic passing. While we were together at Mississippi State, we were proud to watch De’Runnya grow as a player, and achieve great heights in college football. Bear had a contagious smile and spirit. Our prayers go out to his family.”
Anyone with information regarding the crime are asked to contact the Birmingham Police Department at 205-254-1764.
This story will be updated as more details come available.
Ben Portnoy reports on Mississippi State sports for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter at @bportnoy15.
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