Community Corner
Former Stratford Teen, 14, Killed In Shooting In Georgia
The teenager, who grew up playing youth football in Stratford, moved to Georgia several months ago, according to reports.
STRATFORD, CT — A former Stratford teenager was killed in a shooting in Georgia earlier this week, according to multiple reports.
The Connecticut Post reported Zyon McDuffie, 14, who lived in Bridgeport and Stratford, died in what family friends described as an accidental shooting in Union City, Georgia, on Sunday.
McDuffie, who attended Flood Middle School in Stratford, moved to Georgia several months ago with his mother, who took a new job at a hospital, according to Connecticut News12.
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A GoFundMe campaign has been launched in support of the family.
“No one will ever be able to make sense of this terrible loss to his family, his friends, especially the ones who will always be his brothers, or our community,” reads a post on the GoFundMe, which was organized by Jamie DeVitto. “Especially the Stratford and Bridgeport Youth Football communities. His memory will live on forever.”
Find out what's happening in Stratfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
McDuffie was described as having an infectious smile and a laugh that “could make your worst day turn around the moment you saw him.”
“No one will ever forget that smile!” DeVitto wrote on the GoFundMe page. “God made certain people to play football and Zyon was one of them. From the first day he took the football field, he was a Bulldog. He earned that nickname. His drive for the game and for life was unmistakable.
“Krystyna was and will always be a mom above others. To say her sons are her world is an understatement. She lives and breathes every moment for them. While we cannot take away her pain, we can try to provide her support for the monetary expenses ahead. So please take a moment to share this or donate. No amount is too little. We are grateful for any help you can give.
“He didn’t lose the game, he just ran out of time. Long Live Zyon #LLZ Fly High Zyon”
“You will forever be missed by all of us.”
More than $2,600 has been raised within the first two days of the GoFundMe campaign, as of Thursday afternoon.
For more information, or to make a donation, visit the GoFundMe page here.
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