MAPLEWOOD, N.J. — Tragedy struck a New Jersey high school as a student was killed and another wounded during a shooting at an athletic field, authorities said Monday. Now a community is in mourning as investigators work to determine what happened.
Moussa Fofana, 18, of Maplewood, was pronounced dead at Underhill Field at 10:24 p.m. on Sunday. A second male victim, whose age was not given, remains hospitalized and is being treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, ABC7 New York reported.
Both individuals were students at Columbia High School, according to the New York Post.
“As Columbia High School parents and members of our community, Marie and I are absolutely heartbroken,” Maplewood Mayor Frank McGehee said. “Our prayers go out to Moussa’s family, friends, teammates, classmates, the entire CHS community, our Maplewood-South Orange community and everyone impacted by this senseless and devastating loss due to gun violence. We are also keeping the other student who was injured in our thoughts. While there are still so many unanswered questions, we ask that everyone respect both family’s privacy at this very difficult time.”
Columbia High School Principal Frank Sanchez wrote in a letter to teachers, “A few of our students were in a horrible situation last night at Underhill Field. It looks like a student may have died,” the Village Green reported.
“This inconceivable calamity is undoubtedly a devastating blow to our students, staff and community,” Superintendent Dr. Ronald Taylor wrote to parents, according to TapInto.
There have been no arrests made, and the investigation is ongoing, ABC7 reported.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.
