LUCEDALE, Miss. (WDAM) – Emotions were heavy in George County Friday evening, as balloons representing the colors of the University of Mississippi and the University of Southern Mississippi took to the sky to celebrate the life of MJ Daniels.
On the same football field where Daniels was a star player for the George County High School Rebels, family, friends, former teammates and coaches gathered to celebrate his life.
“It speaks a lot that the whole county and the community came out for MJ (Friday), but they know what kind of heart he had,” said family friend Tranez Nix. “They knew what kind of person he was.”
Daniels was shot and died Tuesday night in Hattiesburg.
While Daniels left a legacy for what he’s done on the field, many say what he’ll be remembered for the most is what he did off of it.
“I remember him from his smile and coming around and playing ball,” said family friend Erica Lawrence. “He’ll be remembered for his legacy, his smile on the field, and just being a great kid. I can’t remember a time that he ever got in trouble. He was a great kid. They took a great kid.”
Daniels was very well respected in the George County Community, which was obvious at his celebration of life Friday afternoon.
“MJ was a great kid,” said family member Kirsten Russell. “I’ve never heard of him being in any type of trouble, and that just goes to show how he was raised. His mother did a wonderful job with him, and it’s real unfortunate that his life was taken away from him.
“She said the right thing. A legend was taken, a son was taken, a brother was taken.”
Three teens have been arrested and charged with capital murder in connection to his shooting.
Following Friday’s arrests, many loved ones expressed gratitude for justice being served.
“That was a blessing,” said former George County High School coach Chad Jack. “I think that that will give the family a little relief, that they know that the people are in custody that made this tragedy happen to someone that was not deserving of it.
“We would like to thank the Hattiesburg Police Department and the rest of Forrest County for doing their job to make sure that those young men are where they should be.”
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