High school basketball player Letrell Duncan was shot and killed at 16 years old on Monday.
According to authorities, the sophomore at East Orange Campus High School was shot four times near school. Duncan was rushed to a nearby hospital, but he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Tracey Tully of the New York Times reported Duncan’s aunt said two men approached Duncan and his friends after they left East Orange Campus High School in New Jersey. Words were exchanged before the two men left, but two people in ski masks who had a gun returned to confront the teenagers.
Duncan played guard for East Orange Campus High School and for Garden State Bounce. He scored 180 points as a freshman in high school and was the team captain for his club team.
Garden State Bounce released a statement on Instagram:
“Rest In Peace Trell. One of our most celebrated and loved players to help build this program. He was an excellent teammate, a great friend, and a coach’s ideal player.
“I’m crying as I write this message because he left us with so many great memories on and off the court, from his laugh and light heartedness, to his tenacity when it was game time. Trell was one of the Crown Jewels of this program and we will dearly miss him. We couldn’t have accomplished what we did without him.
“We will miss you Trell, our floor general, team captain, and the best point guard our program has seen. You’ve set the bar. We are heart broken and in shock that this has happened to you, but nevertheless we know that you are comforted by God.
“We love you and appreciate everything you’ve left us with. You were a very rare and special talent, but an even better person. Real love always and forever.”
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The 6-foot-1, 160-pound star helped East Orange to a 15-9 record in one of New Jersey’s most competitive conferences.
Prayers to his family during this difficult time.
