Alex Foster Death: Baylor HC, AD & NIL Administrator Issue Statements on Tragedy

“I will win.” That’s what DL Alex Foster’s X cover image reads. It’s simple and goal-focused. But on a heartbreaking note, that dream of his will never get to be a reality. Deaths in college football are always tragic to know about. Nothing is worse than seeing young lives end when they have a long road of opportunities ahead of them. Just last month, we lost LSU star WR Kyren Lacy to suicide. Joining this harrowing list is Baylor’s Alex Foster, who has sadly passed at just 18 as a result of a brutal crime. Foster was a defensive lineman for the Bears. Key members of Baylor football are extending their condolences to Foster’s family.

Alex Foster is a 4-star prospect according to On3. Both Baylor and Texas gave a tough fight to secure the young DL into their 2024 roster. In the end, he chose to be at Waco. After a redshirt freshman season, Foster was most likely going to take the field this year. He was visiting home in Mississippi for the summer break and was coming back to campus this weekend. Sadly, Foster is no longer going to be able to take his first snap in college. Police reports say that he was the victim of a shooting and, unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries in a hospital on the night of May 27.

The Baylor community is in shock as they process the sudden and horrific passing of the promising player. AD Mack Rhoades issued a statement on behalf of the program, acknowledging the young talent’s death.

“We are heartbroken by the unexpected passing of Alex Foster, a beloved teaamate, friend, and a cherished part of the Baylor family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Alex’s family and all those who loved him.” 

HC Dave Aranda also shared his condolences for Foster. “Alex was a beloved member of our Baylor Family, and we are devastated by this loss. In his time at Baylor, he made a long-lasting impact on all of us in the program. Our hearts are broken, and our prayers are with his family, friends and all those who loved him so deeply.”

NIL administrator for the program, Haneen Rashwan, also shared her sorrow about the news. “My prayers & condolences go out to the Foster family as they go through this. Alex was such a great young man. R.I.P AP 🙏.” He was also remembered by his high school coach, John Baker, who told the Clarion Ledger that Foster was a “great guy.” “Real quiet, soft-spoken guy, you know. Had his head on right and wanted to make it out. He was a good dude, man.”

The rookie came with ample room for development and could’ve been a great option for the Bears’ defensive line in the future. Here’s a look at everything Foster achieved in his unfortunately short-lived career.

Alex Foster’s prep career stats

Foster was a 3-star class of 2024 recruit and redshirted last season. Coming from Greenville, Mississippi, he came with a total of 96 tackles (solo) and 9 sacks, showing potential for development. During his recruitment, he started to entertain Texas while still committed to Baylor. After making his choice, he shared that he had to think about his decision for a long time. “I am 100% committed to BAYLOR UNIVERSITY! Respect My Decision. SIC EM,” he wrote on X, announcing his final decision.

The young DL racked up 80 tackles, 12 sacks, and 21 tackles for loss in 17 games. At St. Joseph Catholic-Greenville, Foster led his school to win the MAIS Class 4A state honor in 2022 and the MAIS Class 3A title in 2023. According to that, he was also part of Clarion Ledger‘s All-State first team in 2023.

The young DL came with a lot of promise. Unfortunately, he passed without even taking a single snap in his CFB career. Alex Foster’s loss is a huge blow to the program, as more tributes pour in to support his heartbroken family.