Following the devastating news that a young player had lost his life to senseless gun murder; Canada’s sports community is in grief as Christian Saulsberry was killed by Mark McDaniel
Both fans and friends shared their own memorials on social media, describing the players’ love for Saulsberry as “strong and undeniable”.
Christian Saulsberry CFL Football Player Shot Dead By Mark McDaniel In Mississippi During Party
Prayers: Former Mississippi star Christian Saulsberry who currently playing in the CFL was shot and killed after someone fired into a crowd at a party late last night. Our thoughts and prayers to former Northpoint Christian, ICC, West Alabama and current CFL Edmonton Elks player. pic.twitter.com/ZruiWDkLrj
— Mississippi Sports (@SocialSportsMs) December 17, 2022
In loving memory of Christian Saulsberry. One team. One love.#WeAreWest #Brotherhood pic.twitter.com/irB5LPChny
— UWA Athletics (@UWAAthletics) December 17, 2022
Christian Saulsberry, a running back with the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League and a native of Southaven, was shot early on Saturday morning and died en route to the hospital, according to the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Christian was shot and died on Saturday after playing his debut season in the Canadian Football League. He was 25 at the time. In Memphis, Tennessee, the wide receiver for the Edmonton Elks was shot and died.
According to the Desoto County Sheriff’s Office, the 25-year-old was shot in the abdomen and leg while at a party in the 7400 block of Church Road in Walls, Mississippi, at around three in the morning. On Monday, he recently celebrated his birthday.
After Saulsberry passed away, the Elks issued a statement.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this most trying time, first and foremost. We also send our sympathies to his friends, including all of his teammates and coaches, both in Edmonton and elsewhere, whom he had a positive influence on during his football career.
Throughout his brief tenure with the Green and Gold, Christian made a tremendous contribution to our football team both on the field and in the locker room. His zest for life and optimism will be sorely missed.”
The defaulter has been charged with murder.
Mark McDaniel, 24, was detained by Memphis police on Saturday afternoon at his home. According to the Desoto County Sheriff’s Office, McDaniel will be extradited to De Soto County and charged with second-degree murder.
Following the tragedy, fans and friends shared their own condolences to Saulsberry on social media, characterising the love that other players had for him as “strong and undeniable”. The quick wideout, a two-time All-Conference selection, played in eight games for Edmonton after a stellar career at West Alabama. As a senior, he totalled 1,223 all-purpose yards.