Man charged with murder in Austin Peay senior defensive back William Hardrick's death

A man has been charged with murder in the death of 22-year-old Austin Peay senior defensive back William Hardrick, who died Tuesday night following a car crash, according to a WAFF report based on court documents.

John McAdams has reportedly also been charged with DUI and leaving the scene of an accident.

He failed a sobriety test with a 0.09 percent blood alcohol content, the outlet reported.

4 William Hardrick died at the age of 22. Austin Peay Athletics

Austin Peay posted a tweet Wednesday announcing Hardrick’s death.

“We are truly saddened by the passing of William Hardrick, a new member of our football program and the Austin Peay family,” Austin Peay athletics director Gerald Harrison said in a statement.

“All of our thoughts and prayers are with the Hardrick Family today. We will do everything we can to support his friends, family, and teammates at this time.”

Hardrick died following a car crash on I-65 in Limestone County, Ala., according to WAFF.

Limestone County Coroner Mike West told WAFF that Hardrick’s mother said her son had been driving home from school at the time of his death.

4 Hardrick spent two seasons with Austin Peay. Austin Peay Athletics

A car reportedly left the driving lanes and flipped several times, with Hardrick being pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

Hardrick, an Adamsville, Ala. native, previously played for Mississippi State from 2021-22 and Miami (Ohio) from 203-24 before transferring to Austin Peay.

4 John McAdam’s mug shot. Limestone County Sheriff's Office

He appeared in 18 games over the past two seasons, according to ESPN, and tallied 14 solo tackles and four pass deflections this past season.

“William Hardrick was an exceptional young man, and our team is heartbroken by his loss,” Austin Peay football coach Jeff Farris said in a statement.

4 Hardrick during a 2024 game against Colorado State. AP

“He made everyone around him better and has made a real impact both on and off the field. We lift up the Hardrick family in prayer as we grieve this tragic loss with them.”

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