Quan Bray Tragedy Prompts Auburn Football Community, Gene Chizik To Express Support

Incoming Auburn skill player and Georgia native Quan Bray is staring down one of the toughest situations imaginable right now, but at least he's not having to do so alone. After news broke Sunday that Bray's mother had been killed, with his father turning himself in for the act, Bray's new teammates and coaches immediately began expressing their support.

Coach Gene Chizik issued a statement:

Our thoughts and prayers are with Quan and his entire family during this extraordinarily difficult time. This is a terrible tragedy, but the Auburn Family will support Quan in every way possible throughout the grieving and healing process ahead. Quan is a great young man with a bright future, and we will be there for him every step of the way.    

It's been a long and eventful offseason all throughout Alabama, but what Bray is going through has got to be one of the hardest things a college football player has ever had to endure.

Auburn Football Player Quan Bray's Mother Killed, Reportedly By Bray's Father

Tonya Bray, the mother of 2011 Auburn Tigers football signee Quan Bray, was shot and killed in LaGrange, Georgia according to Columbus' WTVM-TV. A man named Jeff Jones is claiming responsibility for shooting Bray. The player's official bio at the school's website lists his parents as Bray and Jones.

According to the report, police were investigating a car accident when they found Bray's body. She was pronounced dead after being transported to West Georgia Medical Center. The report also cites police as saying Jones and his alleged victim had an 18-year relationship and a child together.

Many will remember Quan Bray as the Troup County blue-chip player who committed to Auburn during the Under Armour All-America game with his family at his side by proclaiming, "War Eagle, baby! War Eagle, baby!" in a delightful west Georgia accent. Watching that video, filled with smiling faces, is not at all pleasant right now.

For more on Bray and Auburn, visit Track Em Tigers.