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Southern Miss Punter Peter Wilkes Dies in Gun Accident

Oct 9, 2009 – 1:24 PM
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Michael David Smith

Michael David Smith %BloggerTitle%

UPDATE: Hours after releasing a statement saying punter Peter Wilkes had died, Southern Miss said Wilkes was alive but in grave condition. The following story appears as it was originally published.

Southern Miss punter Peter Wilkes died Friday morning after an accident with a gun in his home on Thursday, the school announced today.

The accident occurred Thursday night and Wilkes died Friday morning. Southern Miss coach Larry Fedora released the following statement:
"We are obviously shocked and devastated to hear the news about Peter's passing. Peter was an integral part of this football program and our thoughts and prayers are with his family members during this difficult time."
Wilkes was a walk-on whose position was listed as wide receiver but was on the team primarily as a punter. He had returned to his family home for Southern Mississippi's fall break and didn't travel with the team for this week's road game. Few details are available about Wilkes' death. The accidental shooting happened at his home in Union City, Tenn.
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