MOBILE, Ala. (October 8, 2012)--University of South Alabama student Gil Collar, 18, was screaming obscenities and talking about being on a "spiritual quest" shortly before campus police shot and killed him, witnesses said.

Two students who knew Collar described him Monday as appearing intoxicated shortly before his death early Saturday.

The university says Collar was nude, acting erratically and challenging a police officer when the officer opened fire.

A school statement made no mention of Collar being armed.

South Alabama students Bronte Harber and Sarah Hay said Collar was partially disrobed and loud shortly before his death.

Hay said Collar was talking nonsensically about being on a "spiritual quest."

Harber said Collar was wearing only his underwear and was yelling obscenities near police headquarters, where the killing occurred.

Neither saw the shooting.