UAB linebacker Allen Merrick dies from gunshot wound

UAB will never truly know the talents of linebacker Allen Merrick.

The 19-year-old freshman died of a gunshot wound on Friday morning, according to ESPN's Alex Scarborough. Merrick was visiting his home in Gadsden, Ala., when he was shot on Thursday. 

Gadsden police say the shooting appears to be accidental.

Merrick was Gadsden City's Defensive Player of the Year last season and earned a three-star prospect rating from ESPN coming out of high school. 

Unfortunately, UAB also lost another player this offseason. Safety Jamari Smith drowned in a lake in May.