A 16-year-old high school football player died Friday afternoon, June 6, after being shot inside a Camden County, New Jersey residence, in what family members describe as an accidental shooting involving multiple juveniles.
Xyere Brooks, a sophomore at KIPP High School in Camden, was found with a gunshot wound around 12:35 p.m. at a home on the 1500 block of Thorn Street. Officers responded to reports of a person shot and transported Brooks to Cooper University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 2:15 p.m.
According to the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, multiple juveniles were present in the residence when the incident occurred. Brooks’ brother, Manazh Tompkins, told reporters that a female put the gun to Brooks’ head and did not expect it to discharge.
Family members indicated the shooting was an accident involving teenagers who had been handling the firearm. Brooks had spent the night at a friend’s house and had the day off from school, according to his relatives. His mother, Antoinette Brooks, expressed concerns about unsupervised teenagers having access to weapons in homes.
The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit continues investigating the circumstances surrounding the firearm discharge. No criminal charges have been filed, and the investigation remains active according to Prosecutor Grace MacAulay and Camden County Police Chief Gabriel Rodriguez.
Brooks was recognized as a standout athlete at KIPP High School, where he played running back on the football team. His head coach, James Tompkins, described him as the best running back in South Jersey in his class. Brooks had already attracted attention from college football programs, with Syracuse and Rutgers universities expressing interest in recruiting him for their teams.
The school community remembered Brooks as a committed student and dedicated teammate who helped lead KIPP to their first playoff game in school history. School officials described him as a loyal and encouraging teammate whose talent and determination impressed everyone who knew him.
Brooks began his educational journey at KIPP Lanning Square Middle School as a fifth-grader. School administrators recalled his infectious smile, competitive spirit, and energetic personality that brought joy to hallways and school activities. He was remembered for his participation in community initiatives, including taking a leadership role in No Crime Week events.
KIPP High School canceled regular classes on Monday, June 9, to allow students and staff time to process the loss. Counseling services and emotional support resources were made available on campus throughout the week. The school provided families with detailed schedules and information about additional support services.
A vigil was held at a football field in Camden, where students, teachers, and teammates gathered to honor Brooks’ memory. His twin sister, who was a cheerleader, spoke about how she had been looking forward to being on the football field with her brother during the upcoming fall season.
The Brooks family received community support during their grieving period. Former NFL player Antonio Brown shared news of Brooks’ death on social media, requesting contact information for the family and expressing condolences.
School officials emphasized Brooks’ impact both academically and athletically. They noted his dedication to his studies and his role as a supportive presence among his peers. The football program planned to honor his memory and support his family while continuing their season.
A Celebration of Life service for Brooks was held at Doreen Boyd Legacy Hall in Camden. The community was invited to participate in remembering the young athlete’s contributions to his school and local area.
The Camden County community organized events addressing gun violence as part of National Gun Violence Awareness Month following the incident. County commissioners collaborated with New Jersey Moms Demand Action to raise awareness about gun-related deaths and encourage community participation in violence prevention efforts.
Authorities continue seeking information about the shooting. Anyone with relevant details was asked to contact Detective Joseph Fogg of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit at (856) 225-5063 or Detective Brandon Bolger of the Camden County Police Department at (609) 519-3981. Tips can also be submitted to CAMDEN.TIPS.