A 25-year-old man from Mount Vernon was found shot in a driveway at an Arizona apartment complex earlier Friday morning.

It happened in Phoenix. According to a press release, Lance McDowdell was transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Before joining the Arizona Rattlers, an indoor football league team in Phoenix, McDowdell played football at Mount Vernon High School and basketball at the Biondi School in Yonkers. The defensive lineman was named an all-state selection his senior year.

He went on to play football at Nassau Community College and later, the University of Central Florida.

The Arizona Rattlers released a statement confirming the death, saying in part, "Lance represented the Rattlers organization with pride and dedication and we send our condolences to his family during this time."

Former coach Jimmie Kimbrough says he's had a tough time processing the news.

"He was the one that created the temperature in the locker room. He always made us feel like the next play, we could get that play," says Kimbrough. "He was an incredible athlete, one of the best I'd ever seen at the high school level. "

Phoenix police detectives are asking anyone with information to call 602-262-6141. If tipsters wish to remain anonymous, they can call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS, or 480-TESTIGO for Spanish speakers.

 

Phoenix police detectives are asking anyone with information to call 602-262-6141. If tipsters wish to remain anonymous, they can call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS, or 480-TESTIGO for Spanish speakers.