A rising young talent is gone way too soon.
Sixteen-year-old football standout Xyere Brooks died last Friday in what authorities are calling a tragic accident, shocking his New Jersey community and leaving his family, teammates, and coaches devastated. The tragic accident unfolded in Camden County when police were called to a home on Thorne Street after gunfire was reported.
According to the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, Xyere was shot inside an apartment shortly after 12:30pm. Several juveniles were reportedly present when the incident happened, but no criminal charges have been filed as of now. Brooks was rushed to Cooper University Hospital, but despite medical efforts, he passed away two hours later. Officials have confirmed that the investigation is still “active and ongoing” and have not released any additional details at this time.
Brooks, who attended KIPP High School, had built a name for himself as one of the school’s best athletes. A running back with remarkable talent, he had already caught the attention of major universities like Rutgers and Syracuse. His dedication, discipline, and charisma made him a standout both on and off the field.
His brother, Manazh Tompkins, shared heartbreaking insight into what may have led to the shooting. In an interview with 6ABC, he said, “She put the gun to his head, and I guess she didn’t expect it to go off. To make a long story short, the gun went off on my brother, and he’s no longer here with us.” Though details are still being confirmed, this statement hints at a tragic mishandling of a firearm among teens, a gut-wrenching reminder of how fragile life can be.
Tributes have poured in from the school community and beyond. KIPP High School shared a powerful message on Instagram, describing Brooks as “a committed student, a loyal and encouraging teammate and friend, and a standout football player whose talent and drive were evident to all who knew him.” They also remembered his infectious energy and warm spirit, saying, “He had a smile that could light up a room… a competitive spirit, and the kind of energy that brought joy to every hallway and dance battle.”
His coach, James Tompkins, echoed the heartbreak, calling Xyere the best running back in his class and emphasizing that “there’s no way he can be replaced.” The coach added that the team and the school community are taking things “one day at a time” as they try to support one another through the loss. “We’re going to do the best we can to honor him, support his family, and support the rest of the team.”
While the accident has left many stunned, it also raises serious concerns about gun safety and youth access to firearms. With investigators still piecing together what happened, the hope is that some answers, and possibly justice, will follow.
In the meantime, Xyere Brooks is being remembered not for the way he died but for the powerful mark he left in just 16 years of life. Whether on the football field or just walking the school hallways, he had a way of making people around him feel seen, supported, and inspired.
As Camden County mourns, this tragedy serves as a painful reminder of just how precious, and vulnerable, young lives are. The community has lost a star, a brother, a friend, and a teammate. And though Xyere Brooks is gone, his legacy is just beginning.
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