8th grader who was already being recruited by Power 5 teams killed at party
Awful news out of Illinois to pass along this Sunday.
Jaylon McKenzie, a standout all-purpose back East Saint Louis, Illinois, was shot and killed at a party in Venice Saturday night, according to KDSK. The 13-year-old’s mother told the station that McKenzie had walked outside to avoid a fight when he was hit by a stray bullet.
While only in 8th grade, McKenzie had already gained national attention. In November, Sports Illustrated included him in a feature “Six Teens Who Will Rule the Future in Sports.”
As a recruit, McKenzie had earned scholarship offers from Missouri and Illinois.
KDSK’s report notes police are expected to release more details later.