STARKVILLE, Miss. – Mississippi State freshman football player Keith Joseph Jr. died in a one-car accident Friday night en route to attend his former Pascagoula High School team’s game.
His father, Keith Joseph Sr., was also tragically killed in the accident. Joseph Sr. played linebacker for the Bulldogs from 1989-92.
“We are deeply saddened and heartbroken by the tragic loss of Keith Jr. and his father,” said Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen. “Keith had such a promising future as a Bulldog following in the legacy started by Keith Sr., who played for our program 25 years ago. Keith was a great student, a hard worker and a great teammate to all of us. With heavy hearts, our thoughts and prayers go out to the Joseph family, our entire Mississippi State community and all of the lives these Bulldogs touched.”
“Words can’t express the sorrow we feel by having lost not one, but two members of the Bulldog family, father and son,” said Mississippi State Director of Athletics Scott Stricklin. “I was a classmate of Keith Sr., and took pride in having Keith Jr. follow in his dad’s footsteps at MSU. They will both be missed greatly. It’s such a tragic reminder that life is a precious and every day is a gift from God.”
Keith Jr. signed with the Bulldogs last February and was redshirting as a true freshman in 2015. Keith Sr. ranks 10th all-time in MSU history with 14 sacks.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
