Nathan Harris.png

(Troy Athletics)

A Troy University football player was killed Saturday morning while operating a motorcycle in Gulf Shores, police say.

Nathan Harris, 19, was killed when the motorcycle he was driving struck the end of a flatbed truck with tandem trailer carrying lumber, Gulf Shores Police Sgt. Jason Woodruff said.

The crash occurred at around 8:30 a.m. on Fort Morgan Road.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, Woodruff said.

Harris is a graduate of Gulf Shores High School where he served as starting quarterback from 2012-14.

Praying for Harris family and remembering a Dolphin - Nate. Posted by Gulf Shores High School on Saturday, April 30, 2016

Harris' former coach at Gulf Shores High Ben Blackmon heard about Harris' death just after the crash.

"One of my former trainers at Gulf Shores notified me this morning," he told AL.com. "He happened to pull up at the scene. I was in shock as is the whole community. Everyone in that community loved him because he was such a great kid. He was sincere, genuine, humble, a true servant of the Lord.

"I could go on and on about Nathan Harris," Blackmon continued. "He was tough, gritty. He was such a special young man. He lived such a special life. He loved people. He loved Jesus. Of all the players I've ever coached there was never a doubt in my mind that Nathan would be with Jesus one day. He got up every day and read his Bible."

Blackmon, who now coaches at Spanish Fort, said Harris was twice voted "man of character" on his team by his teammates.

According to his former coach, Harris recovered from a knee injury to walk on at Troy and earn a position as the holder on extra points this year.

"This is an unthinkable tragedy and the thoughts and prayers of the Troy Athletics Department and the Troy University community are with Nathan's family and friends," Troy Athletics Director Jeremy McClain said in a statement. "It is devastating to see a young life end in such a heartbreaking way, and we will provide support and comfort for his teammates, friends and coaches as they go through the grieving process."

Troy football head coach Neal Brown said this is a statement: "Nate was a tremendous person and a very caring young man. While his time here at Troy University was brief, his impact was felt by many. He was loved by his teammates and had a positive effect on our team's culture in a short time."

Harris' friends took to social media today to share their shock and condolences after the teenager's untimely death.

I'm going to miss you so much @nate_harris_14 I love you brother — Roger (@Rogerstrick) April 30, 2016

Just yesterday we were sitting and waiting for our meetings.Our last words were " see you soon" I can't believe you're gone Nate Harris RIP. — Alec Hazard (@HazardAlec) April 30, 2016

Please say a prayer for Nate Harris family and also for @abbygrimmmes . You'll be missed Nate!! #RIPNate 💓💓👼🏼👼🏼 — Kendall Gates (@kendall_gates) April 30, 2016

Nate Harris was an incredible human being. God gained a special angel. Rest In Peace — Lauren (@laubaisch) April 30, 2016

Many prayers for the Harris family.... Words can't even describe how wonderful of a person Nate was, heaven definitely gained an angel! — Jessica Chavez (@Jess_chavez13) April 30, 2016

God has such an amazing guy by his side now. Rest in peace Nate Harris — peighton langston (@peighhh) April 30, 2016

My heart hurts so badly for @nate_harris_14 family, friends, and girlfriend. I've heard nothing but great things about him.💔 #RIPNate — Savannah Rollins (@sav1021) April 30, 2016

Nate Harris #14 I love you man I miss you more than anything rn... You were such a positive role model...rest in peace man❤️🙏🏼 — Nicholas Canale (@NickCanale16) April 30, 2016

AL.com sports reporter Ben Thomas contributed to this report.