Georgia officials are searching for the person who shot and killed a student at Savannah State University Thursday night.

According to officials at the historically black college, Christopher Starks, a junior from the Atlanta area, was fatally shot near the student union. He was then pronounced dead at a local hospital.

"It is with great sadness that we report the loss of a Savannah State University student," the school said in a statement issued by university spokeswoman Loretta Heyward. "Mr. Starks was the only individual transported to a medical facility following the incident. So far, no arrests have been made."

Following the shooting, the school was placed on lock down around 11 p.m. to midnight, reports the Associated Press.

Both the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and campus police are investigating the deadly confrontation. In the meantime, the school is urging students to come forward with information in order to bring the shooter to justice.

"The safety of those who live, study, work and visit Savannah State University remains a top priority -- no exceptions," Heyward said in a statement. "While it may be natural to want to protect an associate, the lack of disclosure may do more harm than good in the long run."

On Friday, administrators delayed classes at the college until 10 a.m. Grief counselors were also available.

The victim was an inspiring rapper from Lithonia in DeKalb County who graduated from Miller Grove High School. Starks had also just celebrated his 22nd birthday and was a former football player at Appalachian State University in North Carolina.

"We were shocked and devastated to hear the news this morning about Chris Starks' passing," his former coach, Scott Satterfield, said. "In his short time at Appalachian State, we came to know Chris as a good person, a hard worker and a great friend and teammate."

Friends should their remorse on social media as they mourned the young man they endearingly called "Cooley."

"Woke up crying to hear the news about cooley...you were so loved by so many people and had the biggest heart...love you so much RIP," Regina D'Auria tweeted, reports The New York Daily News.

"The brotha was funny, talented & left a good memorable impression," Reggie Hunt wrote.