CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Halloween celebration turned tragic early Saturday morning when 17-year-old Amari Cooper was fatally shot at a party on Old Plank Road in Charlotte.
According to police, a fight broke out during the gathering, leading to multiple gunshots being fired. Witnesses say partygoers began to run for safety, but Amari was struck by a stray bullet amid the chaos.
At approximately 12:26 a.m., emergency crews responded to the scene. Paramedics found Amari suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was rushed to a nearby hospital by ambulance, but despite life-saving efforts, he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities have not released information regarding potential suspects, and it remains unclear whether Amari had any involvement in the altercation that preceded the shooting.
Amari was a student at West Charlotte High School, where classmates and teachers remember him as bright, friendly, and full of potential. His sudden death has left friends, family, and the school community in deep mourning.
There is also no indication that this incident is connected to a separate fight that occurred at West Charlotte High School on Halloween, where video footage captured a police officer forcefully restraining a student in the school’s bus parking lot.
As investigators continue to search for answers, loved ones are left grieving the loss of a young life taken far too soon.
Rest in peace, Amari Cooper — a promising young soul gone too soon.