CHARLOTTESVILE, Va. (WSET) — University of Virginia Football Coach Tony Elliot is describing the killing of three of his football players in the Sunday evening shooting on the UVA campus as a "nightmare."
Elliot and Director of Athletics Carla Williams addressed the community at a press conference in John Paul Jones Arena on Tuesday afternoon.
Williams began the conference by addressing the hard times the community at UVA is facing as well as giving special thanks to those providing support to their student-athletes.
She also discussed the support and outpouring of love from Cavaliers fans.
Coach Elliot echoed much of Williams' sentiments.
"My heart is hurting," Elliot said.
"It feels like it's a nightmare, to be honest with you. I'm ready for somebody to pinch me, wake me up, and say that this didn't happen," he added.
Elliot said his thoughts and prayers are continually with the families impacted, who he says need it the most.
The Coach also acknowledged the players' strength as a team after this tragic incident and finding encouragement in the community.
Williams said the athletics department has three psychologists on staff to help not only the football players but all student-athletes.
More on this story, including Coach Elliot's personal thoughts on what Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr., and D'Sean Perry were like as players and people, from our media partner, ABC 13 - WSET.
Left to right: D'Sean Perry, Lavel Davis Jr, Devin ChandlerPhoto: UVA Athletics