Texas A&M Commerce wide receiver Keith Miller III is found dead at 23 near the Dallas
A college football star's shocking death has sparked an outpouring of grief from his girlfriend, former teammates and coaches, as well as the surrounding Dallas area.
Texas A&M-Commerce wide receiver Keith Miller III was found dead near campus on Thursday evening, according to a school press release. A cause of death has not been revealed and a police spokeswoman did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's request for further 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 remains murky. He was apparently in a relationship with a woman named Caila Jae, who shared her grief on Instagram.
'I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you,' Jae captioned a smiling picture of the couple on social media. 'I will never love anyone the way I loved you. See you soon.'
The football star was also remembered by Southern California receiver Brenden Rice, the son of Hall of Famer Jerry and an ex-teammate of Miller's at Colorado. Both Miller and Rice began their college careers at 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 girlfriend Caila Jae in one of her many Instagram posts of the couple
Brenden Rice, Jerry's son and Miller's former Colorado teammate, shared a shot of Miller's son
'I love you Brotha,' the younger Rice wrote on Instagram.
Rice also appeared to say he would take care of Miller's son: 'On Everything I love yo son will be taken care of.'
In another post featuring a picture of Miller and a young boy, Rice wrote: 'Luka gone be straight I got him.'
There was also an outpouring of grief from both Colorado and Texas A&M Commerce fans.
'You will never be forgotten,' one fan wrote. 'I looked up to you, I wanted to play football like you.
'NO WAY!!! I'm speechless rn KEITH… GANG… We love you till infinity and beyond! Watch over us!' another added.
Keith Miller III began playing college football at Colorado before transferring to Commerce
Brenden Rice (far left, near right) shared several photos of himself with the late Miller
Rice (top) and Miller (bottom) became close as teammates at the University of Colorado
Texas A&M Commerce is providing expanded counselling services for students 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 sympathies and sincere condolences to his family, friends, teammates, and all who loved him at this very difficult time.'
Athletic director Jim Curry also released 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. Words are hard to come by at this moment, but we ask that you keep those impacted by this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers.'