Norfolk State student from Lancaster County dies in accidental shooting

Norfolk State University is mourning the death of 22-year-old senior Semaj Richelle Coleman from Mollusk in Lancaster County, Virginia, who was killed in an accidental shooting off campus, WTVR CBS 6 reported.

The incident occurred late Saturday night in a parking lot on East Virginia Beach Boulevard in Norfolk, according to Norfolk police and the university. Coleman was shot and transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital with life-threatening injuries, where she later died.

A 23-year-old man from Newport News was arrested at the scene and charged with involuntary manslaughter and reckless handling of a firearm, Norfolk Police said. Their investigation found the shooting to be accidental.

Coleman was a Health Services Management senior and an active member of the Norfolk State community. The university noted her involvement in the Spartans Promise to Persist with Purpose program and her recent induction into the National Association for Allied Health Professions.

The university's Office of the President expressed condolences to Coleman's family and the campus community, acknowledging the impact of the loss. Counseling and support services have been made available to students, faculty, and staff.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting as the community mourns the loss of the student.