Ole Miss' Embry Found Dead

A Mississippi football player drowned early today while he and two companions attempted to retrieve golf balls from a small pond at the Mississippi State University Golf Course.

Joey Embry, a 6-foot-6, 300-pound offensive tackle at Ole Miss, was pronounced dead at the scene. The body was recovered after local and state authorities responded to a missing persons call about 1:19 a.m., a Mississippi State spokesman said.

Oktibbeha County coroner Michael Hunt said Embry had diabetes. The coroner said he believes Embry may have drowned during a diabetic seizure.

Hunt said drugs and alcohol were not suspected in the incident.

"We've lost a member of our football family and our hearts go out to Joey's family. This is a tremendous loss for all of us," Ole Miss coach Tommy Tuberville said in a statement.

Embry and two other individuals were wading in a small pond at the golf course about 4 miles east of the Starkville campus when the drowning occurred.

The identities of the other two individuals were not released, but the coroner said they were both high school friends of Embry's and not Ole Miss football players.

Authorities said Embry's body was transported to Jackson for an autopsy tonight. An investigation into the apparent accidental drowning continued.

After missing the entire 1997 season because of a back injury, Embry was listed as the No. 2 right tackle after spring practice this year. He was expected to get plenty of playing time this fall and possibly challenge for a starting position.

"Joey had worked so hard to come back from some health problems and back surgery," Tuberville said. "He had shown a lot of courage and determination and was projected as a possible starter this fall. Our players looked up to him for the way he had battled through some tough times."

As a freshman in 1996, Embry played in all 11 games and earned his first letter.

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