Seventeen-year-old Willie Ivy III, a promising football player and standout student at North Side High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, had a bright future ahead of him, according to his father, Willie Ivy Jr., and his aunt, Vickii Ivy.
Tragically, that future was cut short when Ivy III was killed in a shooting at a high school party on Saturday, which left 10 others injured.
Ivy III was the sole fatality, though several others were shot, and as of Wednesday, no arrests had been made. The family, struggling with their grief, described Ivy III as charismatic, loving, and destined for success. His father shared that Ivy III had been preparing to graduate early and had been fielding college offers for football.
Reflecting on their loss, Ivy Jr. said, “Losing a child to gun violence is the worst feeling ever,” expressing that while the outpouring of support has been appreciated, it hasn’t eased the heavy burden of losing his son.
Ivy’s aunt, Vickii Ivy, described her nephew as deeply loved by his friends and family. “He had this spirit of love for everybody around him,” she said. Both family members said they were shocked by the sudden and violent end to his life.
Ivy Jr. recalled one of his last conversations with his son just hours before the shooting. They had talked about his SAT scores, GPA, and college applications. “We ended by saying ‘I love you,’” Ivy Jr. shared, his voice filled with pain. “It’s just not right.”
The Ivy family, who has long been involved in efforts to combat gun violence through their church in Memphis, Tennessee, is now grappling with the devastating reality of losing a loved one to the very violence they’ve worked to prevent. “We’ve prayed with families, and now we find ourselves in the same situation,” Vickii Ivy said.
As they prepare for Ivy III’s funeral, the family continues to pray for answers, peace, and even for the person responsible for taking the young man’s life. “We’re going to continue to pray for this city because something has to change,” Vickii Ivy added.
