Eighth-grade football recruit Jaylon McKenzie was shot and killed Saturday night, according to Dori Olmos and Jenna Barnes of 5 On Your Side.
The Belleville, Illinois, native's mother, Sukeena Gunner, told Barnes he was hit by a stray bullet after a fight broke out at a party he had been attending. Illinois State Police arrived on the scene in response to a disturbance and shooting.
A 15-year-old girl was also shot and remains in critical condition, but McKenzie died from injuries shortly after reaching the hospital.
While he still hadn't reached high school, the 14-year-old was considered one of the top up-and-coming players in the class of 2023.