College football fans are offering their condolences to the family of Ohio State freshman wide receiver Carnell Tate, who's mother, Ashley Griggs, was killed Sunday in a drive-by shooting in Chicago's Garfield Park neighborhood.
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In addition to Griggs, four others were injured, though they didn't face life-threatening injuries. As of now, no suspect has been identified, though eyewitnesses confirmed it was a drive-by shooting.
Tate grew up in Chicago but played his last two years of high school football for IMG Academy in Florida. His mother was heavily involved in the recruiting process.
On social media, Tate received an immense outpouring of support.
About 2 years ago when you 2 became apart of the SFE family, we had no idea how close we would all become, today our heart skips a beat and we shed many tears hearing the tragic news. We love you both and will keep you in our hearts and will always be here for your family 🙏❤️AG pic.twitter.com/w0oOkEJAkK
— SFE (@SouthFLExpress) July 16, 2023
This support included his 7-on-7 team from high school, along with fellow Ohio State players and commits including Brandon Inniss, Tavien St. Clair and Nolan Baudo. Baudo grew up with Tate in Chicago.
My brudda man❤️🤞🏽for life!! pic.twitter.com/zVW1GfivST
— Brandon Inniss (@Brandon1inniss) July 16, 2023
Praying for you @carnelltate_ much love to you bro 💔 https://t.co/uoD1e1uwsC
— Tavien St. Clair (@TJSaint_1) July 16, 2023
Family over everything.💔 pic.twitter.com/U9ReokMt8W
— Nolan Baudo (@nolanbaudo) July 16, 2023
Tate appeared in the All-American Bowl last year, and its official Twitter account also offered condolences, as did many of his teammates.
The All-American Bowl extends our deepest condolences to Carnell Tate and his family during these difficult times.
Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. pic.twitter.com/a1n3J49m2U
— All-American Bowl (@AABonNBC) July 16, 2023
Praying for you and your family brudda love you!! 🤧🙏🏿 @carnelltate_ https://t.co/Iw1fhiAOvD
— Winston “winnie” Watkins Jr (@winstonwatkins_) July 16, 2023
Hey brother you don’t know me but I heard about the loss of your amazing mother. So I will be sending my prayers for you. And I know you will make her proud. You’re a buckeye so you know you got my respect and with that comes backing from the buckeye state and all of its people! pic.twitter.com/SmfyiAOSNO
— Tayvion Galloway (@TayvionGalloway) July 17, 2023
I want to send prayers to @carnelltate_ and his family from my family!!#WEARE
— Donovan “7D9” Harbour (@donovan_harbour) July 17, 2023
Ohio State also issued a statement: "Our coach and coaches are aware of this terrible tragedy, incredibly saddened and they, along with our players, will support Carnell in any way they can during this most difficult time."
As you can tell from Griggs' Twitter account, she was an incredible support system to Tate.
He’s all checked in and ready for the next chapter of his life @carnelltate_ go be great son love you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/tF8xN5U2c7
— Ashley Griggs (@Ashleytgriggs) January 9, 2023
This was the best moment of the night. #Buckeye🌰 The young man who stole my heart. This has been a journey for the both of us. I can’t say it enough how proud I am. ❤️🥰🫶🏽 @carnelltate_ pic.twitter.com/N9Gm60ewpM
— Ashley Griggs (@Ashleytgriggs) December 24, 2022
Tate came to Ohio State rated as a five-star prospect. He caught 30 passes for 777 yards and eight touchdowns last season at IMG Academy.
