EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. — Jaylon McKenzie, an eighth-grader from Belleville, was killed by a stray bullet.
Now one coach is trying to help Jaylon's teammates deal with their grief and their questions.
Darren Sunkett, East St. Louis Head Football Coach, was ready to coach Jaylon. He knew Jaylon since he was three years old. "He couldn't wait to wear our uniform and play for East St. Louis High School," Coach Sunkett said.
Coach Sunkett hopes this moment hits home with young players. "We're highlighting the violence in our communities, we're highlighting the drug dealers. Instead of highlighting the athletes, I'd like to change that. I think our kids, we need to think before we act with violence," Sunkett said.
But he said that in order to be successful, you need to work hard at it.
He's also encouraging parents to be more involved and start checking their children's bedrooms.
Coach Sunkett said that many parents say there just isn't enough to do for young ones. "Let's stop saying it's not out there, and there's plenty of positives out there for our youth. So, let's push them in that direction."
While Jaylon will not get to live out his dream on the football field, his memory is helping change young lives.
"We knew he was going to be a star one day. That day never came when he was alive, but look what's happening now," Sunkett said. "I really hope in a week or two this doesn't go away. I'm looking forward to getting with coaches and anyone else involved and help our youth."
The East St. Louis community will hold a candlelight vigil on Wednesday, May 15, to remember Jaylon. The vigil will be at the East St. Louis Clyde C. Jordan Stadium by East St. Louis Senior High School, starting at 5 p.m.