An 18-year-old football player at Ball State University has passed away following a shooting incident in Florida, according to multiple media reports released Sunday.
Gavin Yates-Lyons, originally from Valdosta, Georgia, was one of three people injured in a shooting that occurred in a Tallahassee parking structure on May 24. Reports from The Tallahassee Democrat indicate that Yates-Lyons became trapped in gunfire within the garage, which sits next to housing complexes used by Florida State University students.
Medical personnel transported him to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on Saturday.
The young athlete had excelled as a defensive back while attending Lowndes County High School in Georgia. After completing his studies early in December 2025, he joined Ball State University for the spring 2026 term as an early enrollment student.
Ball State football chief of staff Pete Roley released a statement on the social media platform X Sunday morning, saying: “Gavin was an extraordinary person and it is difficult to express the grief we all feel.”
Roley’s statement continued: “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.”
Just one day prior to the shooting incident, Yates-Lyons had traveled back to his former high school to participate in graduation festivities.
Two other individuals were wounded in the same shooting event. Both adult men sustained injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Law enforcement officials with the Tallahassee Police Department report that those responsible for the shooting remain unapprehended, and their investigation continues.
