GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB/Gray News) – Friends and family are mourning the loss of a Florida high school football player who was killed in a hunting accident on Sunday.
The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office says 911 callers reported that an 18-year-old was shot off Williston Road, just south of Gainesville.
The callers described the shooting as a hunting accident.
Friends and family identified the victim as Malachi Lancaster, a senior football player at Newberry High School.
School officials confirmed Malachi Lancaster was this year’s homecoming king.
His parents, Activate Church pastors Joel and Sophie Lancaster, shared a statement on social media.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our dear son, Malachi Lancaster,” the family said, in part.
Gary Bracewell, the pastor at Christian Life Fellowship Church, knew Malachi Lancaster for 10 years. He spoke with the family after the incident.
“[The family] was actually out of town when this happened and they were making their way back to Gainesville, and they contacted me to meet them at the hospital,” Bracewell said. “Malachi was just a wonderful young man. He was full of love and adventure. He was an entrepreneur. He was a grown-up in a young man’s body.”
A fundraiser has been set up to help with the Lancaster family’s needs.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is investigating the shooting.
“Preliminary information indicates that the firearm was accidentally discharged. The victim was transported to Shands Hospital and later died from the injury. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family and friends during this difficult time,” state investigators said.
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