BELLEVILLE, Ill. — This weekend marks five years since a rising football star was shot and killed at an 8th grade prom party in Venice, Illinois.
Jaylon McKenzie, 14, was killed by a stray bullet. He already was getting national attention for his talents on the football field.
Before even making it to high school, the Metro East athlete was offered two college scholarships. Jaylon made his commitment to play with East St. Louis Senior High School.
Just months before he died, Sports Illustrated featured him as one of 'six teens who will rule the future in sports.'
Yet, he never made it to freshman year.
"I miss my baby, I miss him so much. I miss those hugs and those soft gentle kisses and that big beautiful smile," his mom Sukeena Gunner said as tears rolled down her face. "Five years seems like a long time, but for me, it feels like it was yesterday that I lost my baby. I don't think anyone can even imagine how hard it is to live without your child that did nothing wrong. He had nothing to do with that fight, he didn’t even know those boys."
She carries the pain daily after losing her child on May 5, 2019. Jaylon was the youngest of two.
Gunner explained they spent a lot of time together traveling for all the sports he was involved in, including football, basketball and track.
She told 5 On Your Side, she remembers Jaylon talking about his dream of going to the NFL.
"I honestly believe he would've done all the things he needed to do to live out his dreams," she added.
Gun violence robbed the teen and his family of a dream.
"This has been the worst five years of my life," Gunner admitted.
Through this nightmare though, she's been comforted by kindness.
NFL players like Ezekiel Elliott stepped in.
"He paid for the funeral and he said 'get what you want.' Also Adoree Jackson, he paid for the burial. He said 'we got this, he’s one of us,'" she shared.
She said other NFL players and their moms still reach out to her today.
Jaylon's community has been there too. She's beyond grateful for the unwavering support.
"I call it my village of how they continue to support me to keep Jaylon's memory alive," she said with a smile.
With every anniversary, it comes at a time when it's prom season and college decision day. A stark reminder of all the moments Jaylon is missing out on.
She explained, "He passed away on my mom’s birthday. This time of the year is very hard, very difficult. But I try to remain positive, I try to smile."
Last year, Gunner was able to walk across the stage for her son. A special tribute for Gunner, an East St. Louis Senior High School alum.
Through scholarships, a nonprofit, and parades, Jaylon's legacy shines. Their family created the Jaylon "6" McKenzie-Rising Star Foundation.
Just last year, SLU High grad, former Illini star and New York Jets safety Tony Adams announced a Jaylon McKenzie memorial scholarship.
His mom, a school teacher, will make sure Jaylon's memory continues.
"I try to find ways to impact my students and their families like just the way Jaylon has impacted this community," she added.
Six people have been charged in connection to this shooting. Almost all have pleaded guilty.
For this year's anniversary, his mom will be holding a balloon release on Sunday.
It'll be at 5:06. The five represents five years and the number six represents the number Jaylon would always wear on the field.