Mississippi football player dies after getting in traffic accident

EGYPT, Miss. -- A member of the University of Mississippi football team was killed Wednesday in a traffic accident in Chickasaw County, Miss.

The Highway Patrol says in a statement that 20-year-old Park Stevens of Columbus was killed when his pickup collided with the rear of an 18-wheeler at Egypt Road and U.S. Highway 45A around 3 p.m. Wednesday. Stevens was pronounced dead at the scene.

The patrol says the accident is under investigation.

Ole Miss officials say Stevens joined the Rebels in the spring as a walk-on, transferring to the Rebels program after two seasons at East Central Community College.

Stevens went through spring drills as a backup offensive tackle.

Coach Hugh Freeze posted on the Ole Miss Facebook page that team’s thoughts and prayers are with the Stevens’ family and friends.