TORONTO — The Canadian Football League is mourning the loss of Calgary Stampeders defensive back Mylan Hicks.

Hicks’ life was taken in act of violence early on Sunday morning.

The Michigan State grad joined the Stampeders in May as a free agent after a stint with the San Francisco 49ers of the NFL.

“Obviously this is an extremely difficult and upsetting time for the players and staff,” Calgary Stampeders president and general manager John Hufnagel said in a statement. “It’s a terrible tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mylan’s family.”

Football is family & today we’ve lost one of our own. My thoughts are with Mylan Hicks’ family, friends & @calstampeders organization. #CFL — Jeffrey Orridge (@Commish13) September 25, 2016

The Canadian Football League issued a joint statement with the CFLPA Sunday afternoon.

“The Calgary Stampeders informed us this morning of the sad news regarding the death of Mylan Hicks. On behalf of our Board of Governors and the entire CFL community across Canada, I’d like to convey my deepest sympathies to Mylan’s family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the Stampeders organization as they mourn this tragic loss.” – CFL Commissioner Jeffrey L. Orridge

CFLPA Executive Director Brian Ramsay released the following after hearing of Hicks’ passing:

“Mylan was a respected young man throughout his collegiate and professional careers. As a member of the Calgary Stampeders, he was just starting to establish himself amongst his teammates, coaches and fans in the city. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mylan’s family, friends, teammates and the Calgary Stampeders organization during this extremely difficult time.”

“The loss of this 23-year-old young man at this stage of his life and his career is an unfathomable tragedy,” said Ken King, president and CEO of the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation. “Our sympathies to Mylan’s family and to the Stampeders family of players, coaches and staff.”