A shooting during the Harvest Homecoming Festival in New Albany, Indiana, sadly claimed the life of Corydon Central High School football star Bryce Gerlach.
The town was shocked by the October 12, 2024, incident during a celebration. 18-year-old Gerlach is being posthumously hailed as a hero after witnesses said he tried to protect others from the gunshots before being shot.
When asked about the incident, Gerlach’s close friend, Tanner Chumly, said in an interview,
“It was very selfless what he did, and I’m thankful he went out in such a heroic way so that’s how people remember him because that’s what he was he was a hero”
At a press conference held by the police on Sunday, New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey said there were likely “multiple shooters” firing from different directions before striking innocent bystanders. The police chief identified the persons of interest as Black males in their teens and early 20s, but no arrests have been made so far related to the shooting.
New Albany Mayor Jeff Gahan condemned the suspects and the rising issue of gun violence, particularly its impact on family-friendly events like the Harvest Homecoming Festival. He expressed sorrow over the tragedy, emphasizing that such violence has become alarmingly frequent in the United States.
Bryce Gerlach was set to play his last home football game, marking a senior send-off. He and his father were actively exploring college opportunities for his athletic future.
South Harrison Community School Corporation Superintendent Mark Eastridge shared that Gerlach's father highlighted the tragic 'evil' of the shooting that took his son's life. Despite the loss, he believed that 'good and love will triumph,' emphasizing hope in the face of adversity.
Support for Bryce Gerlach
The community has come together to assist Gerlach's family in the wake of this tragedy, and vigils and memorial services have been conducted in his honor. School administrators are planning a senior night memorial to honor his life and accomplishments in the football program.
An X user named @MolJett has shared a post on X with pictures from Corydon Central Jr. High School, where students have placed flowers and messages at Bryce Gerlach's parking spot.
Corydon Central Athletics also posted on their X account about how they plan to support students affected by this news. They wrote:
Alena Noakes, a reporter at Wave 3 News, has shared a video of the candlelit vigil arranged in support of Bryce Gerlach's family.
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Discussions about the rising issue of gun violence have intensified in the wake of this incident.
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