Here is something that isn’t plastered all over your news outlets. The story of a young hero, not a presidential candidate, radical terrorist group, nor a champion for climate change.
Today, a community grieves the loss of 15-year old Zaevion Dobson, a high school football player who took a fatal bullet, shielding three girls from a spray of bullets Thursday evening [December 17, 2015] in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Police have called the shooting gang-related, but don’t believe Dobson was a specific target. “Unfortunately, they picked a random group of young men and women who were just hanging out and trying to prepare to celebrate the holiday,” Police Department Chief David Rausch said while choking back tears at a news conference.
According to police, other shootings occurred that same night that may have been connected to Zaevion’s death. One of the suspects in the shooting died later in the evening of a gunshot wound while two others were arrested. The investigation is ongoing.
Zaevion Dobson is survived by a community who remember his contribution to everyone around him. “This is a fine, fine young man who is a success story,” his coach, Rob Black said. “I want to try to continue to celebrate the life he has here and the impact that he made on his peers.”
A GoFundMe page has been created in Zaevion’s honor to help his family with expenses.