THIBODAUX, La. –  Altee Tenpenny, who joined the Nicholls State University football team in August, passed away Tuesday evening after a car accident in Mississippi, according to the Mississippi Highway Patrol.  
 
"On behalf of the players, coaches, and all of us at the University, we are extremely saddened by the news of the passing of Altee (Tenpenny)," said Tim Rebowe, Nicholls football head coach. "We extend our condolences to his friends, family and former teammates."
 
Tenpenny, 20, joined the Nicholls program in fall camp after playing two years at Alabama. Following a brief stint with UNLV, Tenpenny, a top-rated recruit coming out of North Little Rock High School, made his way to Thibodaux with hopes of continuing his career. Due to transfer issues, he had not played for the Colonels this season.
 
The accident occurred in Glen Allan, Miss., which is 170 miles southeast of his hometown of North Little Rock, Ark. According to a reports, he was rushed to Delta Regional Medical Center where he passed away from injuries sustained from the crash.
 
"The entire Nicholls community is deeply saddened by the news of Altee Tenpenny's tragic passing," says Nicholls President Bruce Murphy. "Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family, friends and many fans."
 
Tenpenny recently resigned from Nicholls after being suspended indefinitely following an incident on the morning of Sunday, Oct. 18.

The news of Tenpenny's passing began to spread on social media late Tuesday night as his teammates from Nicholls and Alabama flooded timelines with thoughts and prayers.