18-Year-Old Football Star Known for His ‘Kind Heart’ Dies After Being Shot in Parking Garage
18-Year-Old Football Star Known for His ‘Kind Heart’ Dies After Being Shot in Parking Garage
Sean NeumannTue, June 2, 2026 at 9:08 PM UTC
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Gavin Yates-LyonsCredit: GoFundMe -
A Ball State University freshman died this week after being shot at an off-campus party at Florida State University late last month
Gavin Yates-Lyons, 18, was already attending the university after graduating high school early, and was set to join the Ball State roster this upcoming season
The 18-year-old had returned home for his graduation ceremony the night before the shooting took place
An freshman college football player from Georgia has died after being shot the day after his high school graduation ceremony late last month.
The victim, Gavin Yates-Lyons, was 18 years old. According to reports by The Tallahassee Democrat, ESPN and the local Muncie Star Press, Yates-Lyons was set to play football at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., this upcoming season and was already attending the university after graduating high school early in January.
Ball State University announced the freshman's death on Sunday, May 31, one week after he was injured in a May 24 shooting in Florida.
"We mourn the passing of Gavin Yates-Lyons," the school wrote in a tribute online. "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."
According to the Star Press, Yates-Lyons had returned home to attend his high school graduation ceremony on the weekend of the shooting.
The ceremony at Lowndes County High School reportedly took place the night before he was shot in a Tallahassee, Fla., parking garage along with two other victims, according to the Tallahassee Democrat.
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Gavin Yates-LyonsCredit: GoFundMe
The newspaper reported that Yates-Lyons and two others were shot just before 5 a.m. in the parking garage of an apartment complex serving Florida State University students. Local police alleged the shooting took place during an off-campus party, according to the Tallahassee Democrat. The suspect — or suspects — remain at large, according to the newspaper.
Yates-Lyons was remembered in the description of a GoFundMe set up to aid his family with funeral costs this week. The high school football star "was known for his respectful nature, kind heart, and deep love for his family and friends," according to the fundraiser.
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"Tragically, the morning after his graduation, Gavin was caught in the crossfire of a shooting and suffered critical injuries," the fundraiser continued. "Despite the efforts of medical professionals and the countless prayers offered on his behalf, Gavin unfortunately succumbed to his injuries."
Yates-Lyons' family added: "While our hearts are broken by this tremendous loss, we find comfort in knowing that Gavin is now resting with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in Heaven."
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Source: “AOL Sports”
