A former assistant basketball coach for Alabama A&M and the University of Alabama, Sammy Jackson, was found shot to death Wednesday near Atlanta, just days after being reported missing. Jackson, 59, had a distinguished career, including coaching at Alabama A&M and Fort Valley State University, and playing for the University of Montevallo in the early 1980s.

His disappearance began when his wife reported him missing on Monday. The Atlanta Police Department (APD) said in the press release that Jackson’s car was discovered abandoned in a parking lot in Bonaire, Georgia, with items scattered inside.  Authorities were led to Jackson’s body in Atlanta on Wednesday after his son confirmed the tragic news.

Jackson’s wife, Jill, told local media that Jackson had texted her asking for his social security number, but she was unable to reach him afterward. Investigators are still piecing together the details of his death, with many questions left unanswered, including whether the killing was a random act of violence.

Jackson’s sister posted a heartbreaking message expressing her disbelief, questioning why her brother had to die when he was known for his generosity. The family is left devastated by this loss, as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his untimely death.