Friars Point and Clarksdale, Mississippi, communities are mourning the untimely death of beloved native and standout athlete, Hertayvious ‘Taytay’ Williams.
Hertayvious Williams passed away on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the untimely age of 24 following a senseless shooting.
According to the Clarksdale Police Department, around 2 a.m., Friday, officers were dispatched to Anderson Boulevard near Catalpa Street for a shots-fired call.
Upon arrival, they found 24-year-old Hertayvious Williams at the scene suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Officers immediately began life-saving measures on Williams until a Pafford EMS arrived. Hertayvious Williams was immediately rushed to Northwest Regional Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Clarksdale Police Chief Vicent Ramirez offered condolences to Williams’ family nd the Friars Point community, calling the violence ‘senseless.’
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
The untimely death of Hertayvious ‘Taytay’ Williams has left a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, and loved ones.
Hertayvious was a cherished member of the Clarksdale sports community and touched the lives of many with his kind and joyous nature.
Many of his loved ones are paying tribute to the late Taytay and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.
Hertayvious ‘Taytay’ Williams was a Former Standout Basketball Player
The late Hertayvious “Taytay” Williams was a standout basketball player from Friars Point, Mississippi, whose talent and leadership left a lasting impact on Coahoma Agricultural High School and the Clarksdale community.
A four-year varsity contributor, Williams played primarily at point guard for Coahoma Agricultural and graduated with the Class of 2020.
Standing 6-foot-1 and 147 pounds, he wore jersey No. 3 for most of his high school career, while also wearing No. 12 and No. 2 during his early seasons.
During his senior season (2019–2020), wearing No. 2, Williams helped lead Coahoma Agricultural to an outstanding 27–2 overall record, including an 8–0 district finish and a first-place district title.
He earned a Player of the Game award and finished ranked No. 25 in Mississippi and No. 1,316 nationally.
As a junior, also wearing No. 2, Williams helped guide the team to a 23–7 record, earning two Player of the Game awards.
His sophomore season, wearing No. 12, included another Player of the Game honor, while his freshman year, also in No. 12, featured three Player of the Game awards.
Hertayvious Williams’ contribution to the Mississippi sports community and his kind nature will always be remembered by his loved ones.
He is survived by his mother, Chelsea Badger, siblings, and the entire family. He preceded in death his brother Rufus, who passed away around two weeks later his demise.
Hertayvious’s family organized a memorial and funeral service for him on Friday, December 26, 2025, from 2 to 5 P.M. at Hornburger-Byas Funeral Home in Clarksdale.
Funeral service held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 12:00 P.M. at Friendship M.B. Church, Friars Point. Burial took place at Friars Point Cemetery, Friars Point.
