Trabis Ward, 31, was fatally shot in the parking lot of J & L Liquors in Lauderdale Lakes, near Fort Lauderdale, Florida, shortly after 12:30 a.m. on October 10, 2020. He had arrived at the location in a party bus; witnesses saw him lying on the ground with a gunshot wound. Deputies and Broward Sheriff’s Fire Rescue transported him to Broward Health Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Ward was a former Tennessee State University running back (2009–2012) who also had a brief stint with the St. Louis Rams. He was a father of three; family and friends described the loss as devastating. The Broward Sheriff’s Office homicide unit is investigating. Multiple witnesses were at the scene, but suspects remain unidentified and no arrests have been announced.

Anyone who was in the area that night or who has information about the shooting is asked to contact investigators.