Man Charged in Death of 22-Year-Old College Football Player

An Alabama man has been charged with murder in the road death of a college football player.

John McAdams is charged with murder in the death of Austin Peay senior defensive back William Hardrick, who was killed in a car wreck on I-65 in Alabama on Tuesday night. McAdams has also been charged with leaving the scene of an accident and DUI, according to a report from WAFF.

Court documents say McAdams failed a field sobriety test, registering a 0.09 percent blood alcohol content, just above the legal limit. According to Fox News, McAdams was allegedly driving a semitractor-trailer.

Hardrick, 22, was driving home from school when he flipped his car "several" times. The accident was one of eight reported wrecks on I-65 Tuesday night.

“William Hardrick was an exceptional young man, and our team is heartbroken by his loss," said Austin Peay head coach Jeff Faris in a statement. "He made everyone around him better and has made a real impact both on and off the field. We lift up the Hardrick family in prayer as we grieve this tragic loss with them."

Austin Peay mourns the loss of William Hardrick, a senior football player, who passed away last night.https://t.co/rP9CRpZcSz

— Austin Peay Governors (@letsgopeay) May 7, 2025

Hardrick began his college career at Mississippi State in 2021, spending two years with the Bulldogs before transferring to Miami Ohio.

He played for Miami in 2023-24, recording 32 total tackles and five passes defensed, including 26 tackles last fall. Hardrick transferred to Austin Peay this offseason.

"The Miami Football family mourns the loss of former player, William Hardrick." the official Miami Ohio X/Twitter account said Wednesday. "Will brought a light to every room he walked into, our thoughts are with his family."

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hardrick family during this difficult time.