An 18-year-old Ole Miss freshman football player was shot and killed during a violent incident that erupted after a pool party in Cordova, Tennessee, on July 19, 2025. Corey Adams, a defensive end from New Orleans, was pronounced dead at the scene while four other men sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.
The shooting occurred at approximately 10:14 p.m. when gunfire erupted as attendees from a pool party spilled into a cul-de-sac on Fern Glade Cove. Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner reported that more than 100 people had attended the party earlier that evening.
Deputies responding to the scene found Adams inside a vehicle at the intersection of Forest Hill-Irene and Walnut Grove roads with a gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel attempted life-saving measures, but Adams died at the location. Four other adult men arrived at area hospitals in personal vehicles with gunshot wounds. Three of the four injured men had been released from hospitals as of July 21.
Investigators discovered more than 40 shell casings from both rifle and pistol rounds at the crime scene. Buckner indicated that at least two or three different weapons were used in the shooting, though he did not characterize the incident as an exchange of gunfire. No arrests have been made, and authorities are seeking one or more suspects.
The sheriff’s office had received a noise complaint about the party earlier that day, but the host had complied with deputies’ request to reduce the volume. Buckner described the Cordova neighborhood where the shooting occurred as typically peaceful and noted that such violent incidents are uncommon for the area.
Adams’ mother, Chantrel Bernhart, attended a news conference on July 21 alongside her younger son to appeal for public assistance in the investigation. She explained that Adams had arrived at the party as it was ending and had been there for only about 10 minutes before the shooting occurred. Bernhart emphasized that her son was pursuing his dream of playing professional football and was not involved in any criminal activity.
The grieving mother recalled a text message Adams had sent her on July 16 for her birthday. “Mom, I love you so much,” the message read, expressing appreciation for having such a supportive mother.
Adams’ younger brother also spoke at the news conference, describing how he had spoken with Corey the day before the shooting about football practice. The brother said Adams had told him he loved him during their final conversation and vowed to live by the example his older brother had set.
A 6-foot-4, 235-pound defensive end, Adams had been one of the top defensive line recruits in the country. He played at Edna Karr High School in New Orleans, where he was a two-time first-team All-State selection. During his junior year, he recorded 51 tackles and 12 sacks. Adams had enrolled early at Ole Miss in January to participate in spring practice.
Ole Miss Football released a statement expressing devastation over Adams’ death and asking the university community to keep him in their thoughts while respecting his family’s privacy during this difficult time. The program noted that while they are trying to cope with the tragic loss, their thoughts remain with his loved ones.
Edna Karr High School posted a tribute on Facebook describing Adams as more than just a football player, calling him a friend, brother, son and student who was an all-around great young man. The school expressed that while they never question God, this particular loss was difficult to understand.
Authorities are actively seeking public assistance in the investigation. Buckner requested that neighbors provide any surveillance footage from their homes and urged the approximately 100 party attendees to come forward with information. He emphasized that investigators have far more questions than answers and believe someone witnessed or heard something that could aid the investigation.
The sheriff’s office has increased patrols in the Cordova area following the shooting. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact CrimeStoppers at 901-528-2274 or the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office directly at 901-222-5600.
Memphis is located approximately 85 miles north of Oxford, Mississippi, where the University of Mississippi campus is situated. Adams had time off from practice and had traveled to Memphis to enjoy himself when the shooting occurred.
