The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (UMass Dartmouth) community is mourning the tragic loss of Marvin Antoine, an 18-year-old freshman and football player who was fatally stabbed following an altercation near a nightclub in Providence, Rhode Island.

According to police, officers responded shortly after midnight on Saturday, Sept. 19, to reports of a stabbing in the parking lot of a Wendy's restaurant. When they arrived, they found two victims suffering from stab wounds.

Antoine sustained a fatal chest wound and was transported to Rhode Island Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The freshman running back had only recently begun his college career and joined the university's football program.

A second victim, Kensley Macean, a 19-year-old freshman defensive back and Antoine's teammate, suffered stab wounds to his head, neck and left arm. Authorities said his injuries were not life-threatening, and he is recovering in the hospital.

Investigators said the incident began after an argument involving a woman and several individuals waiting in line outside the Mezzo Lounge, a nearby nightclub that was reportedly at capacity. The confrontation later moved to the Wendy's parking lot, where the stabbings occurred.

Police said there is no evidence the individuals involved knew each other before the altercation.

Authorities arrested Chukuwnonso Uzoma-eze, a 19-year-old UMass Dartmouth student who is not a member of the football team. He has been charged with murder in connection with Antoine's death.

Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez expressed sympathy for Antoine's family during a news conference.

"I can't imagine what his family is going through," Perez said. "They likely helped their son move into college just a couple of weeks ago, and now they're facing an unimaginable loss."

In a statement, UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Mark Fuller extended condolences to Antoine's loved ones and wished Macean a speedy recovery.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Marvin's family, friends, classmates and teammates as we grieve this heartbreaking loss," Fuller said. "We also wish Kensley a full recovery and hope he can return to campus soon."

Antoine's younger sister, Stacie Antoine, has launched a fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses.

"My brother had just started college and had such a bright future ahead of him," she wrote. "He loved football, was intelligent, easygoing and always made people laugh."

She added that his kindness made the loss even more painful.

"He was always there for the people he loved, which makes this tragedy even harder to understand and accept. Losing my older brother has left an emptiness that words can't describe."