BELZONI — A 16-year-old member of the Humphreys County High School football team was shot and killed Friday evening after his team’s game, school officials and local law enforcement confirmed Sunday.
Community reeling after teen’s death
The victim, identified by authorities as JaKamryn Price, was an 11th-grade student who played on the school’s football roster. The shooting occurred in Belzoni shortly after the team’s Friday night contest, according to the Humphreys County School District. Local law enforcement has not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
School administrators said the district is making counseling and support services available to students, faculty and staff as the community processes the loss.
“Our hearts are heavy as we extend our deepest sympathies to JaKamryn’s family, friends, classmates, teammates, teachers, coaches, and all who knew and cared for him,” the district said in a statement.
District officials urged the public to keep the family and the broader school community in their thoughts during the coming days.
Officials: investigation ongoing
Authorities in Humphreys County are continuing their investigation. As of Sunday, no additional information had been released about the shooter, a motive or whether any arrests had been made. Police and county investigators typically withhold specific investigatory details while pursuing leads and interviewing witnesses.
Because the shooting followed a high school football event, the incident has prompted questions from residents about safety at extracurricular activities and public gatherings. School and law enforcement officials have not announced changes to upcoming athletic schedules or campus operations but said support services will be available to students affected by the death.
Impact on the school and teammates
Teammates, classmates and coaches were identified by the district as among those most directly affected. The school emphasized that JaKamryn’s presence was a meaningful part of the high school community.
Officials with the Humphreys County School District said they will provide grief counseling for students and staff and coordinate with local mental health resources to offer additional support where needed. These services are commonly provided after traumatic events involving students to help reduce distress and support coping.
Parents and community members have been encouraged to reach out to school administrators for information about available resources.
What is known about the victim
Public records and the school district’s announcement confirm the following about the victim and incident:
- Name: JaKamryn Price
- Age: 16
- Grade: 11th
- School: Humphreys County High School
- Location of incident: Belzoni, Mississippi
- Timing: Night of Friday’s football game
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | JaKamryn Price, 16 |
| School | Humphreys County High School |
| Location | Belzoni |
| Incident timing | Following Friday night football game |
How families and students can get help
The district has not published a schedule for counseling sessions but said support will be available to students and staff. In situations like this, families often find the following steps useful:
- Contact your school’s counseling office or administration to learn about on-campus support times and locations.
- Reach out to local mental health providers if immediate or long-term counseling is needed.
- Monitor students for changes in behavior, sleep or appetite and seek professional help if concerning symptoms persist.
Community leaders and school officials have asked residents to respect the family’s privacy while investigators work and encouraged anyone with information about the shooting to contact law enforcement.
WE NEWS will continue to follow developments in the case and will publish updates as more information becomes available from Humphreys County authorities and the school district.
Curtis Whitfield, State Correspondent
