An 18-year-old Georgia student with a bright future, who was caught in the crossfire of a May 22 shooting at a Tallahassee parking garage, has died.
Gavin Yates-Lyons, the Lowndes County High School graduate who finished high school early and was attending college at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, “excelled as a football player and was known for his respectful nature, kind heart, and deep love for his family and friends,” according to an online fundraiser set up on behalf of his family.
According to family, he became a donor to save the lives of many others.
The school shared the news of his passing on Facebook with the words “Forever young. Forever a Viking.”
He began attending college at Ball State University in January 2026 and celebrated his high school graduation on May 22, 2026, surrounded by those who loved him.
“Tragically, the morning after his graduation, Gavin was caught in the crossfire of a shooting and suffered critical injuries,” according to the GoFundMe at www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-gavins-family-bayn8. “Despite the efforts of medical professionals and the countless prayers offered on his behalf, Gavin unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.”
“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.”
The fundraiser, which has raised almost $7,000, will support the family as they begin “the unimaginable journey of grieving and navigating the difficult days ahead.”
“The family has been overwhelmed by the love, prayers, and support from the community,” the organizer of the fundraiser wrote. “For those who have asked how they can help, any donation — no matter the amount — will be a meaningful blessing.”
“Most importantly, we ask that you continue to keep Gavin’s family, friends, and loved ones in your prayers as they mourn the loss of a remarkable young man whose impact will never be forgotten.”
About the shooting
The suspect or suspects remain at large after the “unsanctioned pop-up party” turned shooting left three injured at a parking garage outside Legacy Suites apartments last week.
Officers responded just before 5 a.m. to the apartments after hearing gunshots near the off-campus apartments catering to Florida State University students.
When they arrived, police found a man suffering from life-threatening injuries and transported him to a local hospital.
Two other victims, also adult males, later arrived at local hospitals with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
The investigation remains open and active, according to the Tallahassee Police Department. A TPD spokesperson said they may be looking for more than one suspect, and the agency is hoping other witnesses come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to call TPD at 850-891-4200 or Crime Solvers at 850-574-TIPS. More information will be released as it becomes available.
So far this year, nine people have been killed and 18 injured in at least 23 serious shootings in the capital city and Leon County, according to a Tallahassee Democrat analysis of gun violence that tracks incidents involving injury, death or a clear risk of serious harm.
His death was one of two tragic graduation day deaths involving Georgia teens in Tallahassee. Deontavis Jamario Cooper, a 17-year-old and 2026 graduate of Thomas County Central High School, died in a tragic graduation day car crash on May 24.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Georgia teen with bright future dies after shooting, caught in the crossfire
Reporting by William L. Hatfield, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
