Ball State football player Gavin Yates-Lyons dead at 18 after being shot

An 18-year-old Ball State football player died from injuries after being caught in the crossfire of a shooting a week ago in Tallahassee, Fla. 

Gavin Yates-Lyons, a freshman defensive back, died Saturday, the university confirmed in an announcement Sunday morning. 

“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,” the school said in a statement posted on X. 

In a social media post of his own, Ball State assistant athletic director for football operations and chief of staff Peter Roley described Yates-Lyons as an “extraordinary person.”

“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,” he wrote. 

Yates-Lyons hailed from Greensville, Fla. and graduated from Lowndes County High School in south Georgia early to enroll and go to Ball State in January and participate in spring practice with the football team, according to the Star Press.

He returned home to attend his high school graduation May 22 and was caught up in the shooting the next day. 

Yates-Lyons was attending an “unsanctioned pop-up party” at a parking garage near the Legacy Suites apartments, which led to the shooting that left three people injured, including the Ball State football player, the Tallahassee Democrat reported.

He was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, which ultimately proved fatal. 

The suspects remain at large. 

Yates-Lyons became an organ donor in order to save the lives of others, his family told the Tallahassee Democrat, and a GoFundMe was set up on his family’s behalf described him as being known for his “respectful nature, kind heart, and deep love for his family and friends.”