The shocking death of a college football star has caused great grief for his girlfriend, his former teammates and his coaches, as well as the surrounding Dallas area.
Texas A&M-Commerce wide receiver Keith Miller III was found dead near campus Thursday night, according to a news release from the school. The cause of death has not been revealed and a police spokeswoman did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com’s request for more information.
Miller is described as a father in a statement from Lions coach Clint Dolezel, although details about the 23-year-old’s family life remain murky. He was apparently in a relationship with a woman named Caila Jae, who shared his grief on Instagram.
“I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you,” Jae captioned a smiling photo of the couple on social media. ‘I will never love anyone like I loved you. See you soon.’
The football star was also remembered by Southern California wide receiver Brenden Rice, son of Hall of Famer Jerry and Miller’s former teammate at Colorado. Both Miller and Rice began their college careers on the Boulder campus before transferring to Texas A&M Commerce and USC, respectively.
Miller (left) was apparently in a relationship with a woman named Caila Jae (pictured right)
Miller is seen with her girlfriend Caila Jae in one of the couple’s many Instagram posts.
Brenden Rice, Jerry’s son and Miller’s former teammate at Colorado, shared a photo of Miller’s son.
“I love you brother,” the young Rice wrote on Instagram.
Rice also appeared to say she would take care of Miller’s son: “In all that I love, my son will be taken care of.”
In another post with a photo of Miller and a child, Rice wrote, “Luka has gone straight, I got him.”
There was also a lot of grief from Colorado and Texas A&M Commerce fans.
“You will never be forgotten,” one fan wrote. ‘I admired you, I wanted to play football like you.
‘NO WAY!!! I am speechless with KEITH… GANG… We love you to infinity and beyond! Take care of us!’ added another.
Keith Miller III began playing college football at Colorado before transferring to Commerce.
Brenden Rice (far left, almost right) shared several photos of himself with the late Miller.
Rice (above) and Miller (below) became close as teammates at the University of Colorado.
Texas A&M Commerce is providing expanded student counseling services following Miller’s death.
“We are heartbroken by Keith’s unexpected passing,” Dolezel said in a statement.
‘Keith was a beloved father, son, teammate and student-athlete. We extend our deepest condolences and sincere condolences to his family, friends, teammates and everyone who loved him at this very difficult time.”
Athletic director Jim Curry also issued his own statement: “We are shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Keith Miller.
The A&M-Commerce community extends its deepest condolences to Keith’s family and those who knew and loved him. “It is difficult to find words right now, but we ask that you keep those affected by this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers.”