Ball State Freshman Football Player Gavin Yates-Lyons Dead at 18, Days After High School Graduation

Ball State football player Gavin Yates-Lyons has died at age 18 after a shooting at a parking garage in Tallahassee, Florida, the school confirmed on Sunday, May 31.

“We mourn the passing of Gavin Yates-Lyons,” the Cardinals football program said in a statement shared via X. “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.”

Yates-Lyons was caught in the crossfire of a shooting that injured two others early on Sunday, May 24, according to his family. The defensive back, who was entering his freshman year at Ball State, died on Saturday, May 30.

“Gavin was an extraordinary person and it is difficult to express the grief we all feel,” Ball State football chief of staff Pete Roley wrote via X on Sunday. “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.”

The other two victims were adult males, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries and the suspect or suspects remain at-large, according to the Muncie Star Press. The investigation is ongoing.

Yates-Lyons graduated early from Lowndes County High School in Georgia, located about 70 miles from Tallahassee, and enrolled at Ball State for the Spring 2026 semester. He was back in the southeast to attend his graduation, the Star Press reported. The ceremony was held the day before the shooting.

Yates-Lyons had become an organ donor to “save the lives of others,” his family told the Tallahassee Democrat.

Ka’vion Campbell Walker, also a defensive back and an incoming member of Ball State football’s freshman class, remembered Yates-Lyons as someone he admired in the short time they were together on campus.

“Man this hurts to see,” Campbell Walker wrote via X. “Gavin was a guy i looked up too the first time he arrived on ball state campus in January. Just the way he carried himself and the positivity he brought rubbed off on people. i’m Grateful i had to chance to be his brother. He’s in a better place with the lord and savior. Luv 22🕊️🤞🏽”

A GoFundMe has since been set up to support Yates-Lyons’ family, raising more than $12,000 as of this story’s publication.

“For those who have asked how they can help, any donation—no matter the amount—will be a meaningful blessing,” the fund’s description reads. “Most importantly, we ask that you continue to keep Gavin’s family, friends, and loved ones in your prayers as they mourn the loss of a remarkable young man whose impact will never be forgotten.”