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Gavin Yates-Lyons dies at 18: Ball State mourns death of freshman defensive back

Gavin Yates-Lyons dies at 18: Ball State mourns death of freshman defensive back originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Gavin Yates-Lyons, a defensive back who was set to enter his freshman season at Ball State University, died on Saturday after he was a victim in a shooting.

Yates-Lyons was back home in Florida as he graduated from high school just a day before he was shot at a parking garage near Florida State's campus. The 18-year-old enrolled early at Ball State so he could participate in spring practice for the Cardinals.

Ball State announced Yates-Lyons' death on Sunday as they began to mourn the loss of the 18-year-old.

Gavin Yates-Lyons dies at 18

The Ball State football program announced that Gavin Yates-Lyons, a freshman defensive back, died on Saturday after succumbing to injuries he suffered in a shooting in Florida.

"We extend sincere condolences to his family, friends, coaches, teammates and all who held him close," the school said in a statement. "May you find comfort and strength during this challenging moment."

Yates-Lyons was a freshman who had just enrolled in Ball State in January of this year. He grew up in Greenville, Florida, but attended high school in Georgia as he played for the Lowndes County High School football team in Valdosta.

As a senior in high school, Yates-Lyons produced 15 tackles and two interceptions as his team went 10-2 on the year. He was also a kickoff returned, producing 243 return yards on 10 attempts as a senior as well.

Yates-Lyons had returned home to graduate from high school as a member of the Lowndes County High School Class of 2026.

Gavin Yates-Lyons cause of death

Yates-Lyons was one of three victims in a shooting at a parking garage in Tallahassee, Florida on May 24 near Florida State's campus. Yates-Lyons did not die immediately. He was left in critical condition before succumbing to his injuries six days later.

According to the Tallahassee Democrat, police found Yates-Lyons at the scene having already suffered "life-threatening injuries." Yates-Lyons was then immediately transferred to the hospital.

Gavin Yates-Lyons shooting details

On the morning of Sunday, May 24, multiple people were found shot at an "unsanctioned pop-up party" at a parking garage in Tallahassee, Florida near Florida State University. The other two victims had non-life-threatening injuries, while Yates-Lyons was treated for life-threatening injuries at a local hospital.

As of Tuesday, May 26, no arrests had been made.

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