Missouri State Football Player Richard Nelson Shot and Killed While Protecting His Sister

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Richard Nelson's family, friends, and teammates.

This is a photo of Richard Nelson.
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Image via @OzarksOzone on Twitter

This is a photo of Richard Nelson.

Missouri State freshman running back Richard Nelson was shot and killed in Las Vegas late Saturday night while allegedly attempting to protect his sister.

According to TV station KSNV, an argument escalated into a fight between "several females" outside of a residence in southeast Las Vegas Valley. After Nelson went to help out his sister, a man, who was also outside of the residence, fired "at least five shots" before fleeing the scene. When police arrived to the scene, Nelson was found suffering from multiple apparent gunshot wounds. He was transported to a nearby trauma center where he was pronounced dead. 

One of Nelson's former teammates from Chaparral High School wanted to make it clear that his friend "died a hero." 

Missouri State director of athletics Kyle Moats released a statement, reflecting on the 18-year-old's untimely death. "It's tough," Moats said. "A kid doesn’t get to fulfill his dreams in life. The football thing is a very small piece of it. Anytime a life is taken, we take for granted some of the things we have and the liberties we have." 

That same friend is claiming that one of the men has turned themselves in. 

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and teammates.  

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