Charleston Southern WR Joe Bradshaw Dies at Age 19

Joe Bradshaw, a freshman wide receiver at Charleston Southern, died on Thursday at the age of 19. 

The school said in a statement that Bradshaw died off-campus and authorities are still in the process of gathering information.

Buccaneers head coach Autry Denson included a statement in the school's announcement:

"On behalf of the Charleston Southern Football ministry, we offer our condolences to the Bradshaw and Edwards' family regarding the untimely passing of an exceptional young man, Joe 'Jo Jo' Bradshaw. It is imperative that we not judge or allow circumstances to define who Joe was as a person. Not only would that in and of itself be a tragedy, but it also would not accurately portray who Joe really was. Jo Jo was a phenomenal young man, son, student, and teammate.  He was a computer engineering major. His position on the field was as a wide receiver, but that huge smile and big heart influenced every one of his teammates and coaches."

Denson noted that Bradshaw recently had wrist surgery, but "was spotted in the parking lot (on the same day as his procedure) attempting to attend a team meeting that he was excused from."

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of FCS programs delayed the start of the 2020 football season until the spring. The Buccaneers played their first game of the season on March 13, a 24-19 loss to Kennesaw State. 

Bradshaw, who was a walk-on receiver, didn't appear in that game. He did record 51 receptions during his senior year at Nease High School. 

Charleston Southern said it will hold a memorial service for Bradshaw at a later date to be determined.