STILLWATER, Okla. -- The following is a statement from Oklahoma State football staff members regarding the death of Denver Broncos defensive back Darrent Williams.

Williams played football at Oklahoma State from 2001 through 2004 and was a second-round draft pick of the Broncos in 2005. He died early Sunday morning in downtown Denver, a victim of a drive-by shooting, according to the Associated Press.

“It's a tragic loss for the Denver Broncos family, Oklahoma State University and anyone who knew Darrent Williams,” said head football coach Mike Gundy. “It's a loss that goes far beyond the football field. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, his teammates, the Denver organization and all of those in the OSU community he touched.”

Williams' position coach at Oklahoma State was Joe DeForest, who oversees OSU's secondary and special teams.

“He was the greatest player I have coached in my 20 years,” DeForest said. “He wanted to prove to the world that he could play. He had a chip on his shoulder and I mean that in a good way. He wanted to prove himself, and that's the way he approached every game. It was what made him a great player.”

Williams was a first-team all-Big 12 honoree in 2003. He missed much of his senior season in 2004 due to injury. He ended his OSU career with 11 interceptions, including five he returned for a touchdown. He also returned three punt returns for scores during his days at Oklahoma State.