A day that should have been one of the most joyful of Corey Ballentine’s life quickly turned tragic on Saturday, as the New York Giants draft pick was shot in an incident where another individual was killed.
Ballentine played his college ball at Washburn University in Kansas before he was drafted in the sixth round by the Giants on Saturday. The school announced on Sunday that Ballentine was the victim of an off-campus shooting, and former teammate Dwane Simmons was killed in the incident. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Ballentine is expected to recovery fully in a matter of weeks.
More on the health of #Giants 6th-round pick Corey Ballentine: The gunshot wound is not life-threatening, source said. In fact, doctors told him the recovery is just a matter of weeks. Horrific situation, as his roommate Dwane Simmons was killed in the shooting following a party.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 28, 2019
Washburn president Dr. Jerry Farley released a statement praising both Ballentine and Simmons and mourning the loss of the latter, who was just 23.
“Any time we lose a student it is a sad occasion, but it is particularly poignant to lose a student through such a senseless act,” Farley said. “Both Dwane and Corey have been great examples and representatives of the football team and of Washburn University in general. This was a terrible way to end a day which should have been a day of celebration and a day to look forward to Dwane’s upcoming year at Washburn and the beginning of Corey’s professional career.”
The Giants said they are in the process of gathering more information and extended condolences to Simmons’ family.
Statement from the #NYGiants: We are aware of the tragic situation and continue to gather information. We have spoken to Corey, and he is recovering in the hospital. Our thoughts are with Dwane Simmons’ family, friends and teammates and the rest of the Washburn community.
— New York Giants (@Giants) April 28, 2019
Police said the shooting occurred at 12:45 a.m. Sunday morning. No additional information was available as of Sunday afternoon.
