Camden Community Mourns Loss of Young Football Star
Camden, NJ – The tragic loss of 16-year-old Xyere Brooks, a sophomore football standout at KIPP Cooper Norcross High School, has left the community in mourning following a fatal accident on Friday night. Reports indicate that Brooks was accidentally shot by a friend during a gathering at a Camden apartment, sparking outrage and sorrow.
Brooks’ brother, Manazh Tompkins, conveyed the heartbreaking details, explaining that a juvenile mishandled a gun, leading to the tragic incident. “She put the gun to his head, and I guess she didn’t expect it to go off,” he told an ABC affiliate. “To make a long story short, the gun went off on my brother, and he’s no longer here with us.”
In response to Brooks’ untimely death, a vigil and balloon release at the KIPP football field attracted hundreds, including teammates, friends, and family. “Xyere gave so much to this community,” his sister, Verniyah Oliphant, said. “Him given this in return wasn’t fair at all.”
As a promising athlete, Brooks was recognized as one of the top running back prospects in South New Jersey, drawing interest from Division I colleges. Last season, he led the Titans to their first playoff win in school history, showcasing his talents with impressive stats that included 392 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
Head coach James Topkins expressed a commitment to honor Brooks’ legacy. “We’re going to take it one day at a time and do the best we can to honor him and support his family and team,” Topkins stated.
As of the latest updates, no criminal charges have been filed in connection with the incident, adding to the community’s calls for action and reflection on gun safety and youth education.
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