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Former Wisconsin WR Devin Chandler killed in UVA shooting

Former Wisconsin wide receiver Devin Chandler, one of three University of Virginia student-athletes fatally shot in a campus shooting.

Matt Belz

In this story:

On Monday morning, University of Virginia school president Jim Ryan confirmed that three players on the football team were fatally shot by a former player late Sunday night. 

In a press conference, Ryan confirmed that one of the players fatally wounded in the shooting was former Wisconsin wide receiver Devin Chandler, who joined the Virginia football program earlier this year. 

Jim Ryan called the news "a sad, tragic, and shocking day for our community," and one that is clearly felt across the country. 

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Chandler originally signed with the Wisconsin Badgers as part of the 2020 recruiting class, and immediately earned playing time as a freshman on special teams. During the 2020 season, he played in four games as a wide receiver and kickoff return specialist. He recorded two receptions for 28 yards and added six returns for 156 yards, including a 59-yard kick return in the Duke's Mayo Bowl against Wake Forest. 

After playing in six games with the Badgers in 2021, Chandler opted to enter his name into the transfer portal, eventually joining the University of Virginia football team. 

In addition to being a beloved friend by all of his former teammates at Wisconsin, Chandler also played high school football with defensive linemen Curt Neal (FR) and Gio Paez (RS JR) at William Amos Hough High School in Cornelius, North Carolina. 

Virginia president Jim Ryan confirmed that football players Lavel Davis Jr. and D'Sean Perry were killed in the shooting as well, with two other individuals wounded. Former Virginia football player Chris Jones is in custody as the shooter in the situation, though the exact motive is still unknown at this time.

Thoughts go out to the families and friends of those involved in this tragic event.

The Wisconsin football program has canceled media availability today as a result of the news, with players finding out the news earlier this morning. 

Interim head coach Jim Leonhard did release the following statement about the passing of Devin Chandler:

"I was shocked and saddened to hear of Devin's passing. He had a lasting impact on his teammates, even after he left UW, which is a testament to the type of person he was. His personality was infectious and he was a joy to be around. Our team is hurting for him and his family. I want to personally extend my condolences to his family and the Virginia football family." - Wisconsin interim HC Jim Leonhard

Wisconsin Athletic Director Chris McIntosh also shared a statement about the events at Virginia and the loss of Devin Chander, saying:

"Everyone in our athletic department is devastated to hear that former Badger football student-athlete Devin Chandler has died as a result of the shooting that took place Sunday night at the University of Virginia. Devin spent two years as a member of our football program. It is heartbreaking and tragic that Devin’s young life was cut short by violence. Devin and his family and friends are in my thoughts and we are here to support in any way we can. In addition, we are offering counseling and support services to our current student-athletes and athletic department staff members." - Wisconsin AD Chris McIntosh

You can see some player reactions below...

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Matt Belz
MATT BELZ

Title: Publisher, Beat Writer for AllBadgers.com, a Sports Illustrated Channel Hello, my name is Matt Belz, and I am the site manager at All Badgers. I previously wrote for multiple years at Buckeyes 5th Quarter and have been the leading publisher here since March of 2022.  When I am not covering the Wisconsin Badgers football and men's basketball teams, I enjoy being outside and spending time with family and friends.  You can follow everything I write about on several different platforms. First and foremost on our site...AllBadgers.com You can follow me personally on Twitter at @savedbythebelz or check out our Facebook page at Wisconsin FanNation on Sports Illustrated.

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