UMass Dartmouth Running Back, 18, Fatally Stabbed Outside Wendy's in Providence
A second UMass Dartmouth player sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the incident, and a suspect is in custody.
The 18-year-old victim in a fatal stabbing outside a Providence, Rhode Island Wendy's has been identified as Marvins Antoine, a running back for the UMass Dartmouth football team. Providence police confirmed that a suspect is in custody and that another UMass Dartmouth player, 19, was also stabbed but sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The incident occurred shortly after midnight on Saturday, September 19, 2026, in the parking lot of a Wendy's restaurant on Charles Street. According to Providence Police Major David Lapatin, the location was near a club called Mezzo Lounge, which had reportedly become overcrowded, with customers being turned away.
A fight broke out in the Wendy's parking lot, during which Antoine suffered stab wounds to the chest. He was transported to Rhode Island Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
"We are heartbroken to share that first-year student and football team member Marvins Antoine passed away this morning following an incident in Providence, Rhode Island," read a statement from the UMass Dartmouth Division III football team. "Our thoughts are with Marvins' family, friends, classmates, and teammates."
Antoine, a graduate of B.M.C. Durfee High School in Fall River, Massachusetts, was in his first year at UMass Dartmouth.
Youth basketball coach Shawn Thames, who coached Antoine for several years, described him as a "bright and talented player" with significant life goals. "It is tragic that he will never accomplish those goals and I will never be able to take those rides with him ever again," Thames wrote on Facebook. "He had so much life ahead of him… You are loved dearly and will forever remain in my [heart]."
University officials stated they have no reason to believe there is an ongoing threat to the UMass Dartmouth community. Law enforcement agencies are investigating the incident.
Antoine had played in UMass Dartmouth's game on Friday evening, which resulted in a loss, moving the team's record to 1-2. He did not participate in the game. The team is scheduled to play again on Saturday.
