The Edmonton Elks are grieving the loss of running back Christian Saulsberry, 25, who was shot and killed in the southern U.S., the team said. Let’s see more details about the incident and his cause of death in detail.
Christian’s Saulsberry contributions to football
Saulsberry, a native of Southaven, Miss., played in eight games for Edmonton in 2022. At the University of West Alabama, the player, who is five feet eight inches tall and is recognized for his quickness, was twice named to the All-Gulf South Conference team. During his senior year in 2019, he led the team with 1,223 all-purpose yards.
Christian made a big impact on the football team during his one season with the Green and Gold, according to the Elks, both on the field and in the locker room. “His outlook on life and vigor for living will be sorely missed.”
Saulsberry was shot and killed in Memphis
Edmonton Elks running back Christian Saulsberry, 25, was shot and killed in Memphis, the team announced Saturday.
A Saturday statement from the Elks said Saulsberry died after he was shot in Memphis, Tenn., but provided no other information about the incident.
Media contacted Memphis Police Department and its homicide bureau, but police provided no information or confirmation about the incident.
Suspect was Arrested
Mark McDaniel, 24, of Memphis was arrested by Memphis Police Saturday afternoon and charged with second-degree murder in the death of 25-year-old Christian Saulsberry.
Memphis police arrested 24-year-old Mark McDaniel Saturday afternoon at his Memphis residence, the sheriff’s department later said in a news release about the shooting. McDaniel has been charged with second-degree murder and will be extradited to DeSoto County, the sheriff’s department said, adding that police continue to investigate.
As of Saturday afternoon, the Elks were unable to confirm whether or not the two accounts referred to the same victim.
As per the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department
A man named Christian Saulsberry, 25 was shot in the abdomen and leg while attending a birthday celebration in Walls, Mississippi, just southwest of Memphis, at 3:20 a.m. on Saturday, according to a spokesperson for the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department, Tish Clark. On December 13, Saulsberry became 25 years old.
Clark said the person passed away on the way to the hospital.
In loving memory of Christian Saulsberry. One team. One love.#WeAreWest #Brotherhood pic.twitter.com/irB5LPChny
— UWA Athletics (@UWAAthletics) December 17, 2022
Christian Saulsberry Posted 2 days ago
They only know what you show them. Going from covid to the FCF, to combining out of our own pockets across the state, back to taking a year off and playing flag football, to ultimately betting on myself with $100 ….9 months made 3 years worth it. It’s POSSIBLE
They only know what you show em. Going from covid, to the FCF, to combines out of our own pockets across the state, back to taking a year off and playing flag football, to ultimately betting on myself with $100 ….9 months made 3 years worth it. It’s POSSIBLE 🎯 pic.twitter.com/m06CUN23EJ
— ② (@SaulsberryEra) December 15, 2022
In Memory of Saulsberry
There are simply no words to express the sorrow and pain I am currently experiencing. You grow to know and love the children your children play sports with as a parent.
Christian Saulsberry, the cutest and fastest running young child, played Coaches pitch with my son Drew Arent. From a young age, this tiny youngster captured my heart, and I told everyone that “that boy is going to make it big eventually.”
Later, in the seventh grade, our boys would participate in football games at Southaven High School. Once more, we were all in awe as we watched Christian play.
Christian changed high schools and enrolled at North Point, where he became a football standout.
Social Media Posting
Fans and friends alike posted their tributes to social media following the loss, describing the love that fellow players had for Saulsberry as “strong and undeniable”.
“First and foremost, our hearts go out to his family during this incredibly difficult time,” the Elks said. “Our condolences are also extended to his friends, including the many teammates and coaches both here in Edmonton and elsewhere, that he impacted throughout his football career.”
Elks running back fatally shot in Memphishttps://t.co/4OjuPW3yYq
— CTV Edmonton (@ctvedmonton) December 17, 2022
In a statement posted to Twitter, Canadian Football League commissioner Randy Ambrosie said Saulsberry’s death has saddened many in the league.
Edmonton Elk fatally shot (Memphis) https://t.co/iFS80LUCQU
— Castanet (@CastanetNews) December 17, 2022
“Our condolences are also extended to his friends, including the many teammates and coaches both here in Edmonton and elsewhere, that he impacted throughout his football career.”
Look at this spirit and energy Christian Saulsberry brought. Even with no sound – you can feel it. #RIP I’m absolutely heartbroken. pic.twitter.com/RL5m6rkyxh
— Victor Cui (@victorcui) December 17, 2022
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