Report: Former WVU DB Will Davis’ Cause of Death Known, Manner ‘Pending’

A new report offers a twist in the recent death of a former Mountaineer.

On Sunday night, news spread that former WVU defensive back Will Davis died. At the time, many of those reports said Davis was believed to have died on the night of Saturday, May 16 of an apparent suicide. However, TMZ’s report from Thursday, five days after the initial news hit, suggests Davis’ death may have been a homicide.

According to TMZ, Davis died of gun shots wounds to the chest and his cause of death is listed as “pending” via the medical examiner from Virginia, where Davis died.

Davis, who was 22, transferred to Sam Houston in January, wrapping up the spring practice period in April, after spending the 2025 season at West Virginia. He made only one appearance in a game as a Mountaineer for Rich Rodriguez – the season opening win against Robert Morris.

The morning after learning the news, the WVU football program shared a statement to pay their respects and honor a former Mountaineer.

“West Virginia Football is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Mountaineer William Davis. He brought a positive light to those around him and was a great teammate. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time,” posted WVU on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday.

Prior to moving up the Big 12 level with WVU, Davis was a star with Virginia Union, a Division II HBCU program, from 2022-24. He earned all-conference honors in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) in 2024, recording 56 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss, two interceptions and one sack.