A 14-year-old football player named Sports Illustrated rising star fatally shot in Illinois

Jaylon McKenzie, an eighth-ranked footballer who had already submitted college bids, was shot dead outside of a party this weekend, police said.

The 14-year-old rising star was attending a party near his hometown in southern Illinois on Saturday when he was mortally hit by stray gunshots, authorities said Sunday.

Police said they received calls about unrest and gunfire fired at a "big party" in Venice, Illinois, near the border between Illinois and Missouri, around 11:40 pm according to the state police of Illinois.

Police arrived at the scene to find the young Jaylon and another teenager, a 15-year-old woman, shot and wounded, the police said.

They were both transported to a local hospital where Jaylon died soon after. The other victim was in critical condition Sunday afternoon.

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Witnesses said the teens were trying to escape the inner chaos when the gunshots rang out. The tragic news came just after Jaylon's big moment in Sports Illustrated, where he was recently featured as one of six young athletes who would lead the future of the sport.

Officials from the Jaylon School District confirmed that some of their students had been shot at a party held in Venice late Saturday night.

"Little is clear at this point, we know that our youth, our families, and our school staff have faced a number of tragedies and acts of violence this year," School District 189 said on Sunday. of East St. Louis in a statement. "We are asking them for space and time so that they can mourn and tackle the latest impact of the violence."

The district announced the establishment of crisis teams in the coming days to help students cope with this tragic news.

"Crisis teams will be present in schools in the coming days to advise and support students and staff during this difficult time," the statement said. "We address our prayers to families affected by this violence and hope for the healing of the victims."

Jaylon and his mother, Sukeena Gunner, recently announced via social media that the young athlete had already received university offers from the University of Missouri and the University of Illinois earlier this year. He said his dream was to "do the NFL" and play for the Rams or Los Angeles Chargers.

Jaylon, who is a running back, catcher and defender, drew public attention when he captured five assists for a 161-yard, two-touch win to help the team. East to win an 8th NFL NFL win – American Game in Canton, Ohio, in August, Sports Illustrated wrote in its article "Six Teens That Will Govern the Future in Sport" in November . "Last year, Jaylon racked up 1,546 yards and 21 touchdowns for his junior football team, the East Flyers of St. Louis Jr."

"He hopes to follow in the footsteps of the Titans cornerback, Adoree & Jackson, a USC star, who is also from Belleville, a suburb of St. Louis, and has also starred in two senses, "he added.

The NFL star reacted to the news on Twitter.

Other high school football coaches in the region also expressed their condolences.