Jackson Free Press

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A Belhaven University football player who often tweeted, "Thanking God for another day!" has died.

Elbert Rich III, known as Trey, was hit by a pickup truck as he rode his bicycle home from work at FedEx on Christmas Eve. He was dead on the scene.

The 26-year-old senior from Memphis, Tennessee, had transferred to Belhaven from Missouri Valley College.

"He was my faith cheerleader. He always had an encouraging word," his mother, Cecelia Rich, told WMC-TV of Memphis.

The driver, 29-year-old Reginald Davis, does not have a driver's license, Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey told WJTV.

He told WAPT-TV that he would send a sample of Davis' blood to state police Monday for toxicology testing. Results will determine whether Davis is booked with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The University of Mississippi Medical Center said Sunday that Davis had been released Saturday. He could not be reached for comment Sunday because his home phone number was not available.

Rich's father died seven years ago. His mother and grandfather told WLBT-TV they were not angry at Davis.

"If that young man was standing here right today, I could hug him and cry with him, because, like I said before, I know he didn't leave home with the intent, the malice intent, of killing Elbert Rich the III," said his grandfather Elbert Rich.

Rich's mother said, "I thank God for my son, and if he chose him as his Christmas gift this year, it's my honor that he chose somebody so remarkable."