Josh Williams.JPG

Josh Williams was a four-star recruit from Salesian High School in Los Angeles who joined Oregon State in 2011. He made four tackles for the Beavers.

(Molly Blue/Staff)

Josh Williams, a linebacker at Oregon State from 2011-2013, was shot to death Tuesday in Inglewood, California. He was 24.

Citing the Inglewood Police Department, The Daily Breeze reported that officers found Williams on Tuesday at 5:35 p.m. suffering from at least one gunshot wound to his upper torso. He was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead, according to the report.

"It's just difficult right now to understand why this stuff happens," said Angelo Jackson, Williams' high school football coach. "He was always smiling and a loving person."

Known for his hard-hitting style, the Inglewood resident had been a four-star recruit from Salesian High School in Los Angeles who joined Oregon State during spring practice in 2011. He finished his freshman season with four tackles while battling a recurring leg injury, according to his OSU roster bio.

Head coach Mike Riley suspended him indefinitely for a violation of team rules prior to the following season. Records show Williams was cited for a DUII in Benton County on July 9, 2012 and pled guilty two months later.

He was on the active roster for the 2012 season but did not play. After a solid spring practice, he appeared to be on track to start leading into the 2013 season but ultimately transferred to Kentucky State. He played at the Division II school in 2014 and 2015.

"He only had a month left in town," Jackson said. "He was going back to Kentucky State (for his final season)."

The Kentucky State athletic department did not immediately respond to request for comment.

A number of former Oregon State teammates have expressed their condolences for Williams' death on Twitter.

Oregon State tight end Caleb Smith

Former Oregon State wide receiver Richard Mullaney

Rest Easy J. WILL — Richard Mullaney (@Rmullaney08) June 15, 2016

Former Oregon State running back Terron Ward

Just heard the terrible news. My heart goes out to the family.

Rest Easy J. WILL pic.twitter.com/Kq19T50SJC — Terron Ward (@MVPWard) June 15, 2016

Former Oregon State wide receiver Blair Cavanaugh

RIP J Will.. Another gone too soon. Always had everyone laughing in the locker room. — Blair Cavanaugh (@Irishcav10) June 15, 2016

Former Oregon State punter Johnny Hekker

Saddened by the loss of a former OSU teammate. Josh Williams had a sense of humor that could bust up anyone. He will be missed by many. — Johnny Hekker (@JHekker) June 15, 2016

Former Oregon State defensive lineman Castro Masaniai

rest easy, j willy! send our love to the big homie, fred #RIP pic.twitter.com/3HXjlLNXDs — cas (@_caasss_) June 15, 2016

Former Oregon State cornerback Jordan Poyer

Oregon State football account

We are very saddened by the news of the tragic passing of former Beaver Josh Williams. Our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. — Oregon State Football (@BeaverFootball) June 16, 2016

Former Oregon State defensive lineman Dylan Wynn

Just learning through twitter.... damn J Will... rest easy brother — Charles Dylan Wynn (@cdylanwynn) June 16, 2016

-- Danny Moran