Gavin Yates-Lyons, an incoming Ball State football player who recently graduated from high school, has died after being injured in a shooting in Tallahassee, Florida. He was 18.
Videos by FanBuzz
Yates-Lyons, a native of Greenville, Florida, had enrolled at Ball State University in January and was preparing to join the Cardinals football program as a freshman, per the Tallahassee Democrat.
According to family members and community supporters, Yates-Lyons was critically injured after being caught in the crossfire of a shooting in the early morning hours of May 23, just hours after celebrating his high school graduation.
Despite receiving medical treatment, he died roughly a week later from his injuries.
Lowndes High School honored Yates-Lyons following his passing, sharing a tribute on social media that read, "Forever young. Forever a Viking."
Supporters described Yates-Lyons as a standout football player who completed high school early and was known for his kindness, respectfulness and close relationships with family and friends.
According to the Tallahassee Police Department, the shooting occurred during what authorities described as an unsanctioned gathering near an apartment complex. Officers responding to reports of gunfire found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Police have not announced any arrests, and investigators have indicated they may be searching for more than one suspect. The case remains active.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Tallahassee Police Department or local Crime Solvers.
