UConn cornerback Jasper Howard dies after on-campus stabbing

University of Connecticut cornerback Jasper Howard was killed during an early morning incident on campus in which two people were stabbed.

Howard, 20, was airlifted to a local hospital but died of his injuries. Police say the incident occurred near the student union just after 12:30am. A dance was letting out and at 12:26am, a fire alarm was pulled. There was an altercation, and Howard and another victim were stabbed by an unknown perpetrator.

The sad news came just hours after the UConn Huskies’ win over Louisville. The Hartford Courant reports that leading up to his college football success, Howard’s life was not easy. His mother worked several jobs to support him and his sisters, and he was the first in his family to go to college. Howard dreamed of “making it” professionally to provide for his family, including a sister who is afflicted with meningitis.

The following bulletin was posted on the UConn website, urging anyone with information to contact campus police:

In the early morning hours of 10.18.09, a fight and stabbing occurred near Hillside Rd in the center of Storrs campus. The perpetrator is still at large, whereabouts unknown. Police are actively investigating this incident and anyone with information is asked to contact the UConn Police at 860-486-4800.

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