Perkinston, MS – Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) is mourning the tragic loss of Marcus Dickey, a beloved defensive lineman for the college football team, who died in a car accident on Sunday afternoon, August 24, 2025, while returning from Nicholls State University. Dickey was just 22 years old.

Born and raised in Biloxi, Mississippi, Marcus was a standout athlete at Biloxi High School, earning First-Team All-State honors in the MHSAA 6A classification as a senior in 2020. He began his collegiate career at Nicholls State, spending the 2022 season on the practice squad and appearing in nine games in 2023, recording two tackles, before transferring to MGCCC to continue pursuing his football dreams.

At MGCCC, Marcus quickly distinguished himself as a talented player and a dedicated teammate. Coach Jack Wright remembered him fondly: “He was the kind of kid who was the first one in the meeting, one of the first guys out at practice, one of the hardest workers in the weight room. He always had a big ol’ smile on his face. He was everything you would want out of a teammate. Everything.”

MGCCC President Dr. Mary S. Graham expressed her sorrow: “We are heartbroken by the passing of Marcus Dickey. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends, teammates, and coaches during this very difficult time.” In support of the college community, counseling services have been made available to players, staff, and coaches affected by the tragedy.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Dickey Brothers Memorial Funeral Home in Biloxi. The college plans to dedicate the 2025 football season to Marcus’s memory, with Coach Wright stating the team will “play and honor him this week and the rest of the year.”

Marcus Dickey’s journey—from a home-grown Biloxi hero to a cherished teammate at MGCCC—stands as a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and spirit. Known for his hard work, positivity, and camaraderie, Marcus leaves a lasting legacy in the hearts of his peers, coaches, and the broader Mississippi Gulf Coast community.

Marcus Dickey will be deeply missed, but his memory and impact will live on in the MGCCC football program and beyond.