North Texas signee Willie Simmons among 3 killed in Austin shooting
North Texas recruit Willie Simmons was one of three people shot and killed in Austin, Texas, on Sunday.
The Austin Police Department believes that former Travis County Sheriff's detective Stephen Broderick killed three people in an apparent "domestic situation" Sunday afternoon. Broderick was reportedly arrested Monday morning without incident.
Simmons played linebacker at Elgin High School and originally committed to North Texas in April of 2020. He signed with the school during the early signing period and was set to join the team after he graduated from high school.
The Elgin School District said Monday morning that Simmons and Alyssa Broderick were killed in the shooting. The district identified Broderick as a former student. Police have not yet publicly revealed if or how Alyssa Broderick and Stephen Broderick are related.
“He was an exceptional young man and leader among his peers," the district said of Simmons. "Strong, both academically and athletically, he represented the best of Elgin ISD. He was the captain of our football team, a friend to everyone he met; and most recently, recruited to play football for the University of North Texas.”
NEW: The Elgin school district has issued a statement identifying two of three shooting victims. pic.twitter.com/tMTNJoF4ZP
— Tony Plohetski (@tplohetski) April 19, 2021
Simmons was a two-star recruit according to Rivals and was set to be a part of an 18-member recruiting class for the Mean Green.
“North Texas was an easy decision because of the facilities and the coaches,” Simmons said after his commitment via the Denton Record-Chronicle. “I felt the love. There was no doubt in my mind when they gave me an offer.”
Prayers to the Simmons family and all families affected. What an unbelievable kid! Intelligent, hard working and passionate! Going to miss you! #RIP9pic.twitter.com/MkhygouHr6
— Adrian Mayes (@CoachAMayes) April 19, 2021
Simmons' death is the second tragic loss the North Texas athletic department over the past week. North Texas assistant men's basketball coach Nelson Haggerty died in a single-car crash early Friday morning. Haggerty was 47.
More from Yahoo Sports: