College football player dies after shooting, program confirms
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
A freshman defensive back on the Ball State football team who graduated from high school just days ago has died of his injuries following a Tallahassee, Fla. shooting.
Gavin Yates-Lyons, a January enrollee at Ball State, was critically injured in the early morning hours May 23 while at the parking garage of an off-campus housing facility near Florida State University. That’s when a shooting broke out, with Yates-Lyons ending up being shot in the crossfire and suffering “life-threatening injuries” according to the Tallahassee Democrat.
On Sunday, the Democrat reported that Yates-Lyons had died. Ball State confirmed the news in a statement.
“We mourn the passing of Gavin Yates-Lyons,” it read. “We extend sincere condolences to his family, friends, coaches, teammates and all who held him close. May you find comfort and strength during this challenging moment.”
The news came just over a week after Yates-Lyons had graduated from Lowndes High School in Valdosta, Ga, on May 22. The shooting would take place hours later, with Yates-Lyons left in grave condition until his passing.
A GoFundMe page set up for Yates-Lyons after the shooting had raised over $9,000 of its $12,000 goal as of Sunday afternoon.
“As Gavin’s family begins the unimaginable journey of grieving and navigating the difficult days ahead, we are continuing this fundraiser to support them during their time of need,” the page read.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
