High school football player killed in drive-by shooting days before senior night

RIPLEY, Tenn. (WMC/Gray News) – Two teenagers were shot, one fatally, in a drive-by shooting in Tennessee.

Authorities say the drive-by shooting happened Wednesday around 7:30 p.m. in the Northcrest subdivision in Ripley.

One 16-year-old boy was killed and the other, also 16, was shot in the leg.

The deceased teen has been identified as Ripley High School senior and varsity football player Demarcus Barnes.

The deceased teen has been identified as a Ripley High School student and football player... — The deceased teen has been identified as Ripley High School student and football player Demarcus Barnes.(WMC)

“Some things are unexpected and cannot be explained,” the high school athletic department said posted on social media.

There is now a memorial outside Ripley High School honoring Demarcus.

Lauderdale County Schools Superintendent Shawn Kimble released a statement after the shooting.

“Senseless tragedies like this are all too common in our region, and we are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our students. We kindly ask for your continued prayers for our students and the entire community as we navigate this difficult time. Most importantly, we ask that you keep this student’s family in your thoughts and prayers as they cope with the tragic loss of their loved one,” Kimble said.

Police have not provided any information about a possible suspect at this time.