ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (AP) -- Officials say a Murray State University football player has died in Elizabethtown, where he had returned after his first year.
Elizabethtown police Sgt. David Neary confirmed Friday that Jeff Richard died on Thursday but gave no further details.
The Hardin County coroner's office didn't immediately return a call Friday.
The university said Richard, a defensive end, appeared in all 11 games last year, starting in the final three games of the season and finishing with 21 tackles, including five tackles for loss and a sack. Highlights include a blocked punt against Tennessee-Martin and recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown against Mississippi Valley State.
Coach Chris Hatcher said Richard was a fine man and an outstanding member of the team.
Richard played high school ball at John Hardin.