Ohio State freshman receiver Carnell Tate's mother was tragically killed in a shooting on Sunday. She was just 40 years old.
Law enforcement says the fatal incident happened around 2 AM in the Garfield Park neighborhood in Chicago ... where a woman was shot multiple times in an alleged drive-by.
The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital ... where she, unfortunately, succumbed to her injuries. She was later identified as Ashley Griggs, Tate's mother.
Four others, aged 38 to 42, were also injured in the shooting. Reports say they are in fair condition.
Chicago PD says one of the injured victims claimed the shooter was "traveling in a vehicle at the time of the shooting."
Tate -- a Chicago native -- moved to Florida to play at IMG Academy, where he averaged 20.3 yards during his senior year in 2022. He was 247Sports' 22nd-ranked player in the country.
The 4-star prospect committed to OSU that December ... and is considered one of the best incoming freshman receivers.
Ashley was excited about Tate's upcoming season -- in fact, one of Griggs' last posts was about his No. 17 Buckeyes jersey going up for sale online.
OSU football released a statement ... saying the program is incredibly saddened about the terrible tragedy, and will support Carnell during the difficult time.