updated 3:16 a.m. ET Nov. 1, 2007

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Notre Dame running back Robert Hughes returned to practice Wednesday, a day after his older brother was fatally shot in his hometown of Chicago.

Police say 24-year-old Earl "Tony" Hughes was shot early Tuesday on Chicago's West Side.

Coach Charlie Weis said Robert Hughes, a freshman, returned to Notre Dame so quickly because he didn't want to fall behind academically and because he thought being back at school would help him.

Hughes was not available for comment.

Weis planned to meet with Hughes' family Thursday.

Notre Dame team members plan to attend the funeral service Friday.

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