USA president addresses shooting death

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - University of South Alabama president Gordon Moulton sent the University's condolences to Gilbert Collar's family in a statement released on Tuesday.

Moulton broke his silence regarding the shooting death of freshman Gil Collar, and FOX10 News was the first station to bring you his reaction.

Eighteen-year-old Collar was shot and killed by a USA police officer on Saturday. The police statement said a campus officer fired his weapon once at Collar. The shot struck him in the chest, killing him.

President Moulton addressed a statement to FOX10 News regarding the incident. In part, it reads:

"We are all saddened and heartbroken by the death of one of our students, Mr. Gil Collar. The University is committed to a full and thorough investigation of this matter."

While students said the whole situation is tragic, some add that they wished the President had spoken out sooner.

"It happened on Saturday, and this is Tuesday," said Brittni Simmons, a freshman from Demopolis.

New details released Tuesday allege Collar was under the influence of LSD at the time he was shot. There is mixed reaction from the campus community as to whether that makes a big difference in how the Wetumpka, Ala. native died.

"The whole thing does change, it gives you an idea of what took place that night and what actions were taken," said Karmon Andrews, also a freshman from Demopolis.

"I still think there was something else that could have been done," Simmons said.

Moulton said the university is cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation.

Here is Moulton's full statement:

"Today, I speak on behalf of the entire University family, including our students, faculty, staff, Board of Trustees, and alumni.  We are all saddened and heartbroken by the death of one of our students, Mr. Gil Collar. The University is committed to a full and thorough investigation of this matter. The investigation is being conducted by the Mobile County Sheriff’s office and the District Attorney of Mobile. The University is fully cooperating with all efforts to support their investigation. We respectfully ask that appropriate time be allowed for the agencies to complete their work.

The entire University community extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Gil Collar during this difficult time."