A 16-year-old high school football player died from a gunshot wound on June 6, 2025, in what family members describe as a tragic accident involving multiple teenagers in a Camden, New Jersey home.
Xyere Brooks, a sophomore at KIPP Cooper Norcross High School, was found with a gunshot wound at approximately 12:35 p.m. inside a residence on the 1500 block of Thorn Street in Camden. Officers responded to reports of gunfire and discovered Brooks suffering from his injuries.
Brooks was transported to Cooper University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 2:15 p.m., according to the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office. The incident occurred while multiple juveniles were present in the home, authorities confirmed.
The victim’s brother, Manazh Tompkins, told investigators that the shooting by another teen at the house was accidental. “She put the gun to his head, and I guess she didn’t expect it to go off,” Tompkins explained to local media outlets.
Brooks had spent the night at a friend’s house and was off from school that day. His mother, Antoinette Brooks, expressed concerns about unsupervised teenagers having access to firearms in homes. She indicated that parents need better awareness of what their children might bring into their homes when left unsupervised.
The standout running back had already attracted attention from college football programs. His mother revealed that universities, including Syracuse and Rutgers, had expressed interest in recruiting him for their teams. Brooks’ brother described him as someone who would have been a valuable addition to any team looking to develop his potential as a football player.
At KIPP High School, Brooks helped lead the football team to their first playoff game in school history. Head football coach James Tompkins characterized him as the best running back in South Jersey in his class. The coach emphasized that Brooks could not be replaced and indicated the team would take each day as it comes while honoring his memory.
School officials described Brooks as a committed student and loyal teammate whose talent and determination impressed everyone who knew him. The institution noted that he began his academic journey at KIPP Lanning Square Middle School in fifth grade, where teachers remembered his bright smile, competitive spirit, and energetic personality that brought joy to hallways and school activities.
Brooks was also active in community initiatives, serving as a spokesperson for No Crime Week. His aunt, Ada Banks, noted that videos of his participation in the program could be found online, showing him in a prominent role promoting violence prevention.
The teenager’s twin sister, a cheerleader, had been looking forward to supporting him from the sidelines during the upcoming fall football season. She expressed her love for her brother and wished he were still alive.
A vigil was held for Brooks on Monday, June 9, at a football field in Camden, where students, teachers, and teammates gathered to remember the athlete. The school community canceled regular classes that day to allow students and staff time to process the loss.
Counseling resources and emotional support services were made available across the school district throughout the week following the incident. School administrators asked for privacy for Brooks’ family and the school community as they navigated the tragedy.
The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office continues investigating the circumstances surrounding how the firearm was discharged. Detectives are working to determine who owned the gun and the specific events leading up to the shooting.
No criminal charges have been filed in connection with Brooks’ death as of this report. The investigation remains active and ongoing, with authorities declining to release additional information at this time.
A Celebration of Life service for Brooks was held on Sunday, June 15, at Doreen Boyd Legacy Hall in Camden.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Detective Joseph Fogg of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit at (856) 225-5063 or Detective Brandon Bolger of the Camden County Police Department at (609) 519-3981. Tips can also be submitted to CAMDEN.TIPS.
