Mississippi State defensive lineman Keith Joseph Jr. was killed in a one-car accident Friday.

Joseph’s father, Keith Joseph Sr., a former Bulldogs linebacker, also died in the accident.

“We are deeply saddened and heartbroken by the tragic loss of Keith Jr. and his father,” Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen said in a statement released by the school. “Keith had such a promising future as a Bulldog following in the legacy started by Keith Sr., who played for our program 25 years ago. Keith was a great student, a hard worker and a great teammate to all of us.

“With heavy hearts, our thoughts and prayers go out to the Joseph family, our entire Mississippi State community and all of the lives these Bulldogs touched.”

“Words can’t express the sorrow we feel by having lost not one, but two members of the Bulldog family, father and son,” Mississippi State athletic director Scott Stricklin said. “I was a classmate of Keith Sr., and took pride in having Keith Jr. follow in his dad’s footsteps at MSU. They will both be missed greatly. It’s such a tragic reminder that life is a precious and every day is a gift from God.”

Keith Joseph Jr. signed with Mississippi State last February and was redshirting this season. Keith Joseph Sr. played for the Bulldogs from 1989-92 and ranks 10th all-time in school history with 14 sacks.

The Josephs were on their way to watch a high school football game at their alma mater, Pascagoula (Miss.) High School.

Mississippi State players and coaches expressed their sorrow on Twitter Friday.

Condolences also poured in to the Mississippi State football program, including two from coaches at Ole Miss, the Bulldogs’ archrivals.