Early reports Sunday on social media indicated that people were unable to locate former Indiana defensive lineman Chris Beaty.
And then the news turned tragic.
According to multiple reports, Beaty was the victim of a shooting in downtown Indianapolis on Saturday night.
The downtown area has been besieged by protests and violence over the last three nights related to the death of George Floyd. Local police indicated on Saturday night that they had lost count of the number of reported gunshots in the area.
It is not clear whether Beaty’s death was in any way connected to the ongoing downtown Indianapolis violence.
The 38-year-old Beaty suffered multiple gunshot wounds at the corner of Vermont and Talbot just before midnight according to police reports.
Beaty was pronounced dead at the scene and later identified by the Marion County coroner’s office.
Police have not made any arrests in connection with the incident.
Beaty lived in Indianapolis, and his Twitter page indicates that he was the the leader of a business named Fresh Marketing. He also managed Indianapolis nightclubs.
A defensive lineman on the IU football team from 2000 to 2004, Beaty arrived at IU from Cathedral High School in Indianapolis. Beaty was recruited to IU by former head coach Cam Cameron and played his last three seasons in Bloomington under Gerry DiNardo.
IU head coach Tom Allen released a statement on Monday, and others joined him on social media.
Statement from @CoachAllenIU on Chris Beaty… pic.twitter.com/sw6MqYTWIq
— Indiana Football (@IndianaFootball) June 1, 2020
We are saddened by the tragic loss of Chris Beaty.
RIP #96. pic.twitter.com/WzMALbmLhS
— Indiana Football (@IndianaFootball) June 1, 2020
R.I.P Chris Beaty
Was great guy, we had some good times at IU. You will be truly missed bro.— Eric Gordon (@TheofficialEG10) June 1, 2020
Incredibly sad. Such a kind-hearted, caring man.
— Todd Starowitz (@ToddStarowitz) June 1, 2020
I’m absolutely heartbroken. Chris was the most lively, positive person who had an immense passion for people & his community. I loved looking to find him on game days, sharing many hugs and smiles, chatting about our shared love of sports especially our beloved Hoosiers. pic.twitter.com/riiQTkeuMo
— Larra Overton (@LarraOverton) June 1, 2020
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