Fundraiser For College Football Player Shot At Severn Party

COLUMBIA, MD — The former Columbia football star who was partially paralyzed during a shooting on New Year's Eve in Severn was recognized during a recent basketball game between his alma mater and Hammond High School. Larry Aaron III, 19, graduated from Oakland Mills High School in Columbia

Now a sophomore in college, Aaron was home attending a New Year's Eve party with friends in Severn when he was struck by a bullet in the spine and is paralyzed from the waist down. While he is undergoing rehabilitation for his injury, his former high school wanted to do something to rally around him in a show of support.

"Both teams wore the green 93STRONG T's in warmups and then during introductions.....Larry Aaron himself made a guest appearance," Oakland Mills head basketball coach Jon Browne tweeted at Friday's game. "TRULY AMAZING! Puts life in perspective."

The athlete's mother, Melissa Aaron, told the Times Dispatch newspaper in Huntington, West Virginia, that her son and some friends heard of the Severn party via social media and decided to attend. She doesn't believe her son was targeted; his injuries are not considered life threatening.

"It is in his spine and he has no feeling in his legs," Melissa Aaron told the newspaper. "They can't remove it because they are afraid it could be dangerous and hinder him even more to do so. It is right in the middle of his spine."

She said a fight broke out at the party and then gunshots.

Aaron is a sophomore at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, where he is on a full football scholarship, according a GoFundMe campaign to support his recovery. While playing for the Marshall University Thundering Herd, he wore the number 93.

Proceeds from "93-Strong" T-shirts and concession stands will benefit the Aaron family, according to the Oakland Mills High School Boosters Club.

The game on Friday night was described as "emotional" by players at Oakland Mills, according to the Howard County Times, which captured the entrance of Aaron onto the court.

"Much love; that's all I can say," Aaron told the Times.

The GoFundMe campaign for Aaron has a goal of $250,000; to date just under $35,000 has been donated.

RELATED:

• Marshall Football Player Shot At Severn New Year's Eve Party
• Columbia Man Paralyzed From New Year's Eve Shooting

Anne Arundel County Police are trying to identify the suspect(s) and motive for the shooting. Anyone with information is asked to call the Western District Detective Unit at 410-222-6155. Tipsters can remain anonymous by calling a 24-hour tip line at 410-222-4700.

Image via GoFundMe.