OKLAHOMA CITY. (AP) — A football player at Fort Hays State University in Kansas was shot and killed outside a bar in Oklahoma City on New Year's Day, police said.
Daniel Howard, 22, died and four other people were injured in the shooting at Sunset Patio Lounge early Sunday, Oklahoma City police said.
Several people were kicked out of the bar after a fight broke out. The shooting occurred when the argument continued in a nearby parking lot, police said.
Some of the injured were bystanders, according to the police news release. Their conditions were not available.
Howard played two years at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M before transferring to Fort Hays State in Kansas in spring of 2022. Howard, a defensive back, played in all 11 games last season, recording 53 tackles.
Officials at Fort Hays and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M issued statements on social media expressing grief after Howard's death and support for his family and friends.
The investigation into the shooting is continuing, police said in a news release.
HAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State University football team, athletic department, and campus community are mourning the loss of student-athlete Daniel Howard, who died early Sunday morning (Jan. 1) in his hometown of Oklahoma City. Howard was a Sociology major at FHSU and was 22 years old.
“On behalf of the entire Fort Hays State University community, I want to express our profound sorrow that Daniel Howard’s life was tragically cut short,” said Fort Hays State University President Dr. Tisa Mason. “Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with Daniel’s family, teammates, and friends as they grieve this terrible loss.”
“We are deeply saddened to say that we have lost a member of our family, Daniel Howard,” said head coach Chris Brown. “We are so grateful to have been a part of his life, and he will be missed greatly and remembered forever. Daniel was a tremendous teammate and a loving, caring, and supportive individual. He had a great personality and infectious smile. Daniel truly loved his Tiger football family. Please keep his family in your prayers as they go through this difficult time.”
Daniel Howard came to Fort Hays State in the spring of 2022, a transfer from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College. He made an immediate impact for the Tiger defense during the 2022 season, playing in all 11 games and making nine starts as a defensive back. He recorded 53 tackles, ranking third on the team, and recorded an interception and a pair of pass breakups. Howard attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M for three years and played two seasons, where he was a two-time all-conference performer.
A native of Oklahoma City, Daniel was a graduate of Millwood High School, where he was a member of two state championship football teams.
No further details have been released. A police investigation is ongoing.
Members of the university community who this tragedy has touched are encouraged to connect with our team of professionals in University Health and Wellness Services. You can also contact the Health and Wellness Services team at 800.273.8255.