Football Star Tragically Dies After Teammate Accidentally Shoots Him

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

New York high school football star Ka’mardre Coleman is dead as a result of an accidental shooting that occurred on Monday. 

Authorities say an unnamed teammate fired the shot that ended his life just days away from his 17th birthday. 

Attorneys for both sides agreed that the shooting was accidental, with police noting that a group of four teenagers was passing a gun around when it went off. 

They were reportedly loading and unloading it for fun when it accidentally fired while in the suspect’s hands. He allegedly fled the scene after realizing he could not save his friend. 

Police have since charged the 16-year-old with second-degree manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, per CBS. 

The teenager attended court on Wednesday. 

“He’s a kid who’s never been in trouble before, who’s gonna have to live with the fact that … one of his close friends and teammates is never coming back,” defense attorney Kenneth Montgomery was quoted as saying.

Ka’mardre Coleman’s Sister Says She’s Sorry

A small memorial now stands outside the house Coleman shared with his mother and sister, Julani Bannister. 

Julani said her brother was her best friend and was looking forward to his 17th birthday. She voiced regret over not being there to protect him when he needed it the most. 

“It was me and him. Now it’s me,” she said. “A lot of siblings don’t get that. A lot of older siblings don’t get their little siblings coming to them like, jeez, this happened, jeez, I just did this. I’m gonna miss that.”

“He was excited to be 17. Excited to become this grown man. Excited,” she added. “A y’all took that. Y’all took that, and I’m mad I wasn’t there. I’m mad. And I’m sorry, Ka’mardre. I’m sorry, Ka’mardre, because I know I vouched to protect you.”

The family had an evening vigil scheduled for Wednesday. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with them.