Austin Peay mourning death of football player

Field Level Media|published: Wed 7th May, 14:32 2025

NCAA Football: Mid-American Conference Football Championship-Miami (OH) at Toledo

Dec 2, 2023; Detroit, MI, USA; Miami (OH) Redhawks defensive back Yahsyn McKee (2) celebrates with defensive back William Hardrick (3) after making an interception against the Toledo Rockets in the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Austin Peay confirmed the death of senior defensive back William Hardrick. He was 22.

Hardrick passed away Tuesday but no cause of death or other details were immediately available.

"William Hardrick was an exceptional young man, and our team is heartbroken by his loss," head coach Jeff Faris said in a news release. "He made everyone around him better and has made a real impact both on and off the field. We lift up the Hardrick family in prayer as we grieve this tragic loss with them."

Hardrick was preparing for his first season with the Governors after playing at Mississippi State from 2021-22 and Miami (Ohio) from 2023-24.

"We are truly saddened by the passing of William Hardrick, a new member of our football program and the Austin Peay family," said APSU athletic director Gerald Harrison. "All of our thoughts and prayers are with the Hardrick family today. We will do everything we can to support his friends, family and teammates at this time."

Hardrick appeared in one game at Mississippi State and 18 games at Miami (Ohio). In 11 games last season, he recorded 26 tackles and four passes defensed.

"Will brought a light to every room he walked into," the Miami (Ohio) football program posted Wednesday on X. "Our thoughts are with his family."

--Field Level Media