The school announced, Thursday, the death of Florida international soccer player, Luke Knox, at the age of 22.
A native of Brentwood, Tennessee, and younger brother of Dawson Knox of the Buffalo Bills, Knox spent the last four seasons in the Ole Miss before transferring to the FIU.
School officials said Knox, who studied business administration, died Wednesday night. The motive was not disclosed, although the university said police did not suspect fault.
"Words cannot express the deep sadness we feel at the passing of our colleague and friend Luke Knox," Mike McIntyre, Technical Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit, said in a statement. “It was an honor to coach Luke for the Ole Miss and FIU. While I admired his passion for football, I will always remember his true love for his family and teammates. He had a special way of making everyone around him feel comfortable and confident.”
Knox started two games at linebacker for the Ole Miss in 2019, when MacIntyre served as defensive coordinator. He has played mostly with special teams in the past two seasons and has 11 interferences, including two for losses, in 2021.
"We send our thoughts and prayers to Luke's family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time," the athletics unit said in a statement. "Coaches and support staff are reaching out to our football family and will continue to do so to ensure our student-athletes receive the support they need."
FIU players were notified of Knox's death on Wednesday night. Thursday's practice has been canceled and grief counselors have been brought in to meet with the team and other members of the college community.
Ole's coach, Lynn Kevin, also offered her condolences in a tweet Thursday morning.
“I am so grateful for my personal relationship and the time I spent with Luke,” Kevin said. "He was a good teammate and a better person encouraging everyone around him."
Bills coach Sean McDermott said he woke up Thursday morning to the news and confirmed that the franchise will support Dawson Knox and his family. The end of the tight fourth year was not in practice on Thursday.
"My heart breaks, our hearts are with Dawson and his family during this time," McDermott said. "We are here with him and support him, his family and the tragic news I woke up this morning. So we love and support him and bring the sad news this morning."
