Oct. 27, 2009

HAMPTON, Va. (AP) - A Hampton University basketball player has died from what police call an accidental shooting outside a nightclub.

Theo Smalling of Tampa, Fla., died Monday night, according to a university statement Tuesday.

Police said the 22-year-old team captain was shot in the abdomen early Saturday in the parking lot of a nightclub after another man mishandled a firearm.

Police have charged 21-year-old Dominique Devon Smith with reckless handling of a firearm. It is not known if Smith has an attorney. Police are awaiting autopsy results.

HU basketball coach Ed Joyner called Smalling's death a "devastating loss." Hampton President William R. Harvey described Smalling as a "model" student-athlete.

A tribute to Smalling was planned Tuesday night.

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