A 16-year-old high school football star from Camden County, New Jersey, tragically lost his life in a shooting incident on Friday, June 6, 2025. Xyere Brooks, a rising senior at KIPP High School, was fatally shot during a gathering at an apartment on Thorne Street.
The shooting occurred around 12:30 p.m., and Brooks succumbed to his injuries at Cooper University Hospital approximately two hours later. The incident, involving multiple juveniles, is currently under active investigation, with no criminal charges filed at this time.
Brooks was a promising athlete, known for his talent and dedication on the football field. He had garnered interest from college programs, including Rutgers and Syracuse. His brother, Manazh Tompkins, stated that a girl accidentally discharged a gun, resulting in Brooks’ death. The community is mourning the loss of a young life full of potential and promise.
In a heartfelt tribute, KIPP High School’s head coach, James Tompkins, described Brooks as a talented, energetic, and irreplaceable team player. The school and the broader Camden County community are coming together to honor his memory and support his family during this difficult time.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The community stands united in grief, remembering a young man whose life was tragically cut short.