A rising college football player with a bright future ahead of him has died after being shot just hours after returning home for his high school graduation weekend.

Gavin Yates-Lyons, 18, was set to play football at Ball State University in Indiana this upcoming season. But instead of preparing for the next chapter of his young life, his grieving family is now planning his funeral.

Ball State announced the heartbreaking news on Sunday, May 31, one week after Gavin was critically wounded in a shooting in Tallahassee, Florida.

“We mourn the passing of Gavin Yates-Lyons,” the university wrote in an online tribute. “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.”

According to reports from The Tallahassee Democrat, ESPN, and the Muncie Star Press, Gavin had already begun attending Ball State after graduating early from high school in January. He was expected to officially join the football roster for the upcoming season.

But on the weekend of the shooting, Gavin had returned home to take part in his graduation ceremony at Lowndes County High School.

The ceremony reportedly took place the night before the violence erupted.

Just before 5 a.m. on May 24, Gavin and two others were shot inside the parking garage of an apartment complex that serves Florida State University students, according to The Tallahassee Democrat.

Police said the shooting happened during an off-campus party. The suspect, or suspects, remained at large, according to the report.

Gavin survived the initial shooting and was rushed for medical care, but his injuries were too severe. After days of prayers and heartbreak, the teenager died.

A GoFundMe created to help his family with funeral expenses remembered Gavin as a young man who was loved deeply by those around him.

He was described as being known for his “respectful nature, kind heart, and deep love for his family and friends.”

“Tragically, the morning after his graduation, Gavin was caught in the crossfire of a shooting and suffered critical injuries,” the fundraiser said. “Despite the efforts of medical professionals and the countless prayers offered on his behalf, Gavin unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.”

His family said their hearts are shattered by the loss but that they are leaning on their faith.

“While our hearts are broken by this tremendous loss, we find comfort in knowing that Gavin is now resting with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in Heaven,” they said.

The teenager’s death has left two communities grieving: the hometown that watched him grow into a standout athlete, and the college program that was waiting to welcome him onto the field.

What should have been the beginning of Gavin’s future became an unimaginable tragedy in a parking garage, just one day after a milestone celebration.

Now, instead of cheering him on during his first college football season, his loved ones are remembering the young man behind the helmet: a son, a friend, a teammate, and a promising life taken far too soon.