Friends and Family Struggle to ‘Process' Death of Ball State Football Player
The family and friends of former college football prospect Gavin Yates-Lyons is still coming to terms with his shocking death in a shooting at age 18.
"[He was] a child of God, smart, competitive, loved his family, loved his friends, a giving person," his high school coach, Tremaine Hughes, told Florida's WCTV in a story published Wednesday, June 3. "He is about to leave, and for that to happen, it is heartbreaking. It is devastating, and the only thing that can really get you through a moment like that is family."
He continued, "It makes you sad thinking about missing the future moments, him getting married, him having kids, him graduating college, him continuing to mentor young men in the community."
Yates-Lyons died on May 30, six days after police say he was caught in the crossfire of a shooting in a Tallahassee, Florida parking garage. He was in the area to attend his high school graduation the day before at Lowndes County High School in Georgia, about 70 miles away.
The defensive back was committed to Ball State University, where he spent the Spring 2026 semester and was set to play football in the fall.
As Yates-Lyons' family copes with his loss, relying on the "love, prayers, and support" from others, according to a GoFundMe page, Hughes implied that the community has rallied around them.
"This is for us, the true definition of what family looks like," he said. "It is not necessarily just who you are related to but who you are entangled with, who is your actual family, who is actually there for you when times are difficult. He was a person who connected a lot of people, so everyone is still trying to process the loss."
The Ball State football program confirmed the rising freshman's death on May 31, extending condolences to his family.
"We mourn the passing of Gavin Yates-Lyons," the Cardinals said in a statement shared via X. "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."
"Gavin was an extraordinary person and it is difficult to express the grief we all feel," Ball State football chief of staff Pete Roley added in a quote of the program's statement. "Our hearts are with his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time. Thank you to the Ball State admin, staff and community for the support of our players and staff as we mourn."
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This story was originally published June 5, 2026 at 2:55 PM.