HARLEM, New York (KTRK) – The victim of a nightly massacre that injured eight others in Harlem, New York, has been identified as a star basketball player at Houston Baptist University.
The school’s athletics department confirmed that Darius Lee was the 21-year-old who died Monday morning in his hometown.
“HBU is saddened to share the news of the death of male basketball player Darius Lee, who died overnight from a gunshot wound after a shooting at a rally in his hometown of Harlem, New York.” , says a statement from HBU. “Lee was on his way to graduating with his bachelor’s degree in December and was recently named HBU’s Robbie Robertson male student-athlete of the year.”
According to police, Lee was one of seven men and two women shot. At first, police were told that two groups were shooting at each other at the scene.
Five of the victims were initially found shot on a trail on Harlem River Drive. The others arrived at Harlem Hospital.
“We just thought it was a meeting, a barbecue, of that nature,” said New York City Police Deputy Chief Brian McGee.
Lee is believed to have been pronounced dead at the hospital. The other eight victims were treated for injuries that did not endanger their lives.
The victims, aged between 21 and 42, were hit shortly after 12.35pm on Monday.
Many of the victims were shot in the torso. There were also injuries to people’s legs, back and even fingers.
A pistol was recovered at the scene.
No arrests were made immediately and it was not clear what caused the shooting.
LOOK: Where the shot went off and where the victims fled
HBU cries the leader on the court
Following the shooting, Lee’s coach expressed grief and confusion over the premature murder of his star.
“Darius was a remarkable young man who loved the Lord, his mother, his family, his teammates, his friends, and his entire HBU family,” Ron Cottrell, men’s basketball coach, wrote in a statement. HBU. “We’re in shock and we can’t shake our heads at this news.”
Despite the violent circumstance of Lee’s death, Cottrell added that his student-athlete left a positive legacy.
“As big as he was a basketball player, he was an even better person. I can’t even think of basketball right now. I can only think of the light that Darius was during his short time on earth. It was a joy. to train and we love him so much, “Cottrell wrote.
HBU athletic director Steve Moniaci not only expressed grief over the loss of Lee, but also denounced another act of armed violence.
“He was a very good young man who had a very bright future ahead of him both on and off the pitch. Unfortunately, this is, once again, another example of senseless gun violence that seems to be affecting our country in these moments and we all pray for it to cease, “Moniaci wrote in a statement.
Lee’s impact on the track was also too hard to ignore.
Last season, he was a second-team All-Southland Conference team after leading Houston Baptist in scoring and rebounds. He was also one of the best defenders in the country, finishing sixth in the nation in steals per game.
The sister station ABC13 WABC contributed to this report.
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