UMass Dartmouth chancellor Mark A. Fuller has spoken out after freshman running back Marvins Antoine, 18, was fatally stabbed in Providence early Saturday.
The Boston native and Durfee High School graduate was pronounced dead upon arrival at Rhode Island Hospital, according to police reports. Fellow Corsairs freshman Kensley Macean, a defensive back from Dighton, Mass., also suffered stab wounds to his head and neck area but was hospitalized with injuries described as non-life threatening.
“Our hearts and prayers are very much with Marvins’ family, friends, classmates, and teammates as we mourn his loss together,” Fuller said in a university release. “We also send our prayers and best wishes for Kensley’s recovery, and hope that he will be able to resume his education here soon.”
Providence Police Major David Lapatin told reporters that the violence erupted around 12:30 a.m. ET in a Wendy’s parking lot on Charles Street. The two first-year players had spent earlier hours at Mezzo Lounge in Providence alongside teammates, according to local reports. Lapatin said the nightclub had become overcrowded and was closed off to patrons before a fight broke out in a parking lot.
“We believe the kids that were injured were college kids, probably 18, 19 years-old. And that’s about it for now,” Lapatin said, per WPRI.
A suspect is being held in custody by the UMass Dartmouth Police Department as the investigation continues, though authorities have not released details about the individual or potential charges. Dartmouth, Mass. And Providence sit roughly 30 minutes apart by car.
Fuller sought to reassure the campus community in his statement. “Please be assured that we have no reason to believe there is any ongoing threat to the UMass Dartmouth community,” he wrote. “The appropriate law enforcement agencies are investigating the incident, and because this is an ongoing investigation, we cannot share more details at this time.”
Antoine, listed at 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, had not appeared in any of the Corsairs’ three games this season. UMass Dartmouth, a Division III program, fell 23-21 to Framingham State at home on Friday night in their most recent contest.
Macean, 5-foot-11 and 175 pounds, attended Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School and had also not seen game action. The business and engineering major’s prospects for returning to the field remain unclear as he recovers.
A friend from Fall River painted a vivid portrait of the slain teenager to a local reporter. “A great friend, and he just started college two weeks ago. He had a bright future ahead of him. He was always outgoing and funny and when you hung out with him, he never failed to make you laugh smile and have a good time.”
The Corsairs sit at 1-2 on the young season and are scheduled to return to the gridiron Saturday at home against Bridgton Academy.