Ball State confirms death of freshman football player following Florida shooting
The university has issued condolences after the defensive back, who had recently graduated from high school in Georgia, succumbed to injuries sustained in a May 24 incident.
Ball State University has confirmed the death of Gavin Yates-Lyons, an 18-year-old freshman defensive back on the football team. The institution announced the news on Sunday, extending sincere condolences to the player’s family, friends, coaches, teammates, and all who held him close during this challenging moment.
Yates-Lyons died on Saturday following a shooting incident in Tallahassee, Florida. He was one of three victims shot in a parking garage on May 24. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, the student was caught in the crossfire and transported to a hospital in critical condition.
The university noted that Yates-Lyons had recently completed his secondary education at Lowndes County High School in Georgia. He had enrolled at Ball State, a public university in Muncie, Indiana, in January. Prior to the shooting, he had returned to Georgia to attend his graduation ceremony, which took place the day before the incident occurred.
Ball State University provided a statement on social media mourning the passing of the student-athlete. The institution emphasised the support for the community affected by the loss, stating, "May you find comfort and strength during this challenging moment."
The specific circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the motive or identity of the shooter, were not detailed in the provided reports. The incident resulted in three victims being shot, with Yates-Lyons being the only one to succumb to his injuries.
