The Akron community is mourning the loss of Javion Fort, a 15-year-old boy fatally shot last Friday. Fort was identified by the Summit County Medical Examiner's Office after the shooting took place near South Rhodes Avenue and Oberlin Court, as reported by FOX8. Authorities responded to the scene around 5:30 p.m., where they discovered Fort with a gunshot wound. He was transported to Akron Children’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Akron Police Chief Brian Harding expressed the city's grief, stating, "Today, our city is grieving the loss of a 15-year-old boy whose life was taken by gun violence. Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and people impacted by this senseless tragedy," in a statement obtained by News 5 Cleveland. The teenager, remembered as an outgoing and loving person by his grandmother Shirl Skipper, was a rising 10th grader at Steel Academy in Akron. She shared that Javion "always was there for a helping hand" and placed emphasis on expressing his love for his family and siblings.
The tragic incident is under thorough investigation by the Akron Police, with detectives from the juvenile, major crimes, and crime scene units involved. However, no information about potential suspects has been publicly disclosed. As the family grapples with their loss, they are also facing the financial burden of funeral expenses, which is unexpected for a young teenager. A call for donations to assist with these expenses has been initiated, according to News 5 Cleveland.
As the Akron Police remain committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik and Police Chief Harding have extended their condolences to the victim's family and friends, as reported by News 5 Cleveland. In an effort to better understand the circumstances leading up to the shooting, the family is seeking the public's help. Lt. Michael Murphy with Akron Police remarked on the distressing trend of gun violence among youths, calling it "heartbreaking to see someone so young with so much life ahead of him."
