The excitement of Tennessee State’s spring game weekend was marred by tragedy.
On Sunday morning, Chazan Page was hit and killed by a vehicle while crossing the street in Nashville. Local police indicated that the vehicle involved was described as either a red sedan or a small SUV. A red vehicle with extensive damage to its front end was seen leaving the area of the incident at a high rate of speed.
Page, 20, was taken to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
In a post to his X account, Tennessee State Director of Athletics Dr. Mikki Allen acknowledged Page’s death. “Chazan Page will be deeply missed by our Big Blue Family, as he was a phenomenal young man and leader who made everyone around him better.
“My thoughts and prayers are with our football student-athletes, coaches, families and friends.“
Chazan Page will be deeply missed by our Big Blue Family, as he was a phenomenal young man and leader who made everyone around him better.
My thoughts and prayers are with our football student-athletes, coaches, families and friends.
🙏🏾 ~62 https://t.co/Okz0epjvgF
— Dr. Mikki Allen (@mikkiallen_) April 14, 2024
TSU Glenda also released the following statement regarding the tragedy:
“It is with great sorrow that I write to inform you that Tennessee State University student-athlete Chazan Page passed away this morning surrounded by his family, teammates, and coaches. Chazan, a senior Human Performance and Sports Sciences major from Nashville, was a two-year starting offensive center on our football team. According to Metro Nashville Police, he was the victim of a hit-and-run incident early Sunday morning and succumbed to his injuries. Chazan excelled in the classroom and aspired to play professionally following his collegiate career at TSU.
On behalf of Athletics Director Dr. Mikki Allen, Head Football Coach Eddie George, and our entire TSU family, I extend heartfelt condolences to Chazan’s family, loved ones, teammates, and friends in this time of great loss. Our campus community is also deeply impacted. During tragedies such as this, it is important that we lift each other up with emotional support, comfort, and prayer. We have connected with the football team, student body, and others who knew Chazan to provide counseling and support.
We will share information on funeral and memorial services as it becomes available. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.’
The Nashville native appeared in 28 games for the Tigers, including all 11 contests in 2022 and 2023. His brother Chandon was also a member of the team, playing as a defensive lineman.
Police are actively searching for the hit-and-run driver. University of Alabama-Birmingham head coach Trent Dilfer, who coaches Page in high school, urged the public to “help track down the vehicle.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.