A close-knit community in Southern California is in mourning after a promising teenage football player was shot and killed on a residential street last Friday night.
A Promising Life Cut Short
Jeremy Rosales, aged 14, was discovered with gunshot wounds late on January 16 near the intersection of Glen Canyon Lane and Burwood Avenue in Victorville. The location is adjacent to the Mojave Vista Elementary School of Cultural Arts, close to where the young athlete lived with his family.
Deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department responded just before 8:30 p.m. and found the teenager in the street. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced deceased.
As of Monday, investigators confirmed that no arrests have been made and no further details are being released. The case has been taken over by the sheriff department’s Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail.
A Community in Shock and a Legacy Remembered
The devastating loss has sent shockwaves through the local area. A GoFundMe page was swiftly organised to support Jeremy's family, describing how 'his loss has shaken our community to its core'.
The fundraiser paid tribute to Jeremy, known affectionately as 'Tank'. It read: 'Tank was more than a football player. He was a great kid with an infectious smile, a loyal teammate, and a brother to so many... He showed up with heart, grit, and humility.'
At the time of writing, the campaign has raised $10,673 towards its $12,000 goal, demonstrating the widespread support for the grieving family.
A Standout Athlete and Scholar
Jeremy Rosales was a recognised talent, playing for Team Elite Sports Academy and was set to attend Oak Hills High School. His coach, Elliott Reyes, told media that Jeremy had 'developed a great name in the trenches because he was such a beast' on the field.
Reyes, who coached the teen during a championship run in Hesperia, emphasised that Jeremy was also a 'straight A student' and a 'good hardworking young man'.
'As a coach, things like this are very tough to see. Jeremy by far… no one deserves anything like this,' Reyes said. 'The community is crushed. Our coaches, parents are at a loss for words. So, I really hope whoever did this gets caught and is caught quick.'
A vigil to honour the teenager was scheduled for Monday evening in Hesperia, allowing friends, family, and teammates to gather in remembrance.
