Body found in lake identified as former Mississippi State lineman

A body found floating in a Mississippi lake has been identified as a former Mississippi State football player, according to reports.

Philemon Depaul Jones, a defensive lineman for the Bulldogs from 2011 to 2014, was identified by his fingerprints Wednesday in Lee County, the Clarion Ledger reports.

A cause of death has not yet officially been determined, but no foul play is suspected, the newspaper reports.

Jones, 27, who reportedly last contacted family members on Jan. 20, is believed to have been suffering from undisclosed medical issues. His body was discovered Monday in a private watershed lake floating face-down about 20 feet offshore, clad in only socks and underwear, the Daily Journal reports.

Jones’ sister had previously posted on social media that he did not take his car, phone or wallet prior to his disappearance, according to the Daily Journal.

Jones, who was also known as “P.J.,” played in 45 games for the Bulldogs — including 27 starts — and was named the university’s defensive player of the week after a 2014 win over No. 8 LSU, according to Mississippi State stats.

Team officials confirmed the Tupelo native’s death late Wednesday.

“Bulldog family, with profound sadness, we mourn the passing of our own Philemon ‘P.J.’ Jones,” the statement read.

“He and his family are in our thoughts and prayers.”

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