COLUMBUS, Ohio -- It is with great sadness that the Martin Methodist College RedHawks family announces the death of one of its all-time greats in former basketball standout, Desmond Allison. Allison, 31, was tragically shot and killed Monday afternoon in a dispute turned violent in Columbus, Ohio.

After a two-year career at the University of Kentucky, Allison joined the RedHawks family in 2000, providing a spark of energy the likes of which the program had never seen.

"The news of Desmond's death saddens me," MMC Athletic Director Jeff Bain said in a statement Monday night. "Desmond's positive impact on Martin Methodist's athletic program was huge. He literally put us on the map as contenders and helped raise the level of both competition and competitors on our campus and within our conference.

During his two seasons at MMC, Desmond was one of the premier players in the nation, earning NAIA All-American Honorable Mention honors in 2001 and again in 2002. Alongside teammate and fellow All-American Johnny Goodman, and their supporting cast, Allison helped lead MMC to its first ever NAIA National Tournament appearances.

Allison's tireless work ethic on the court was matched only by his desire to work and provide for those in less fortunate situations than himself off the court.

"Desmond was an absolute gem of a basketball player and a quiet leader who led by example," Bain said. "He came to us from the University of Kentucky with a unique departure from the Wildcats. He never once spoke harshly of the UK program nor complained of the transition from the NCAA Division I to the NAIA. I learned a lot from Desmond and he had an infectious smile that I'll never forget. Martin Methodist is a better place as a result of the two years that Desmond was a member of our community and the impact that he had with us. My prayers go out to his mother and family."

Funeral arrangements at this time are unannounced. We will announce the details on this website as they become available.