Kinu Rochford, a former professional basketball player who spent the 2015-2016 season with Cheshire Phoenix in Ellesmere Port, was shot dead in New York City on Friday night. The 35-year-old, originally from Brooklyn, was participating in an annual basketball tournament in Harlem when he was struck in the head by gunfire just before 10:30 p.m. local time on Lenox Avenue, according to local media reports.
Police confirmed that Rochford was taken to hospital in critical condition but later died from his injuries. Two other individuals were also shot: a 28-year-old man in the shin and a 22-year-old woman in the forearm. Both were hospitalised and are in a stable condition.
Career and Tributes
Rochford was a standout player at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey, where the team described him as a "standout knight and leader" in a social media post. He was widely regarded as one of the most gifted basketball players in New York's five boroughs. His last professional stint was with Golden Eagle Ylli in Kosovo in 2021.
Cheshire Phoenix paid tribute on their Facebook page, stating: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Nix player, Kinu Rochford. Kinu was reportedly taking part in a basketball event in New York when he was fatally injured in a gun-related incident. We will always remember Kinu for the larger-than-life personality he brought to the club, both on and off the court. He was a valued member of the Nix family and his impact will not be forgotten. Our heartfelt thoughts and deepest condolences are with Kinu’s family, friends, and everyone whose lives he touched. Rest in peace, Kinu."
Fans also expressed their grief. One woman commented: "Such sad news. Kinu was such a kind and amazing player! Such an awful loss. Thoughts and prayers with his friends and family." Another added: "Kinu Rochford was our favourite player when we started supporting Cheshire Phoenix. A larger than life character who was a fan favourite."
Mayor Condemns Violence
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed his condolences and condemned the shooting. In a post on X, he said: "I am heartbroken for the family of the man who was killed last night at a basketball tournament in Harlem. This senseless violence must stop. New Yorkers deserve to spend the summer watching and playing sports, attending community events and enjoying our public spaces — places where families, friends and neighbours joyfully gather, not where people are at risk of becoming victims to gun violence."
Mamdani added: "We are working closely with our community partners to provide services to those affected and the entire community. Our administration is using every lever across agencies to prevent further violence and ensure all New Yorkers can safely enjoy the city this summer."
Anyone with information regarding the shooting is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA), submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X @NYPDTips.
