BRONX, NEW YORK – A 17-year-old football player from the Bronx, Laquai Dash, tragically lost his life in a broad-daylight shooting that stemmed from a social media dispute between his girlfriend and another girl. The incident occurred near Legacy College High School, where Laquai was a student, during a violent confrontation in which he was shot three times. The young victim, who had dreams of traveling to Spain on a senior class trip, succumbed to his injuries as a result of the senseless violence.
Surveillance footage captured the heartbreaking moment when Laquai attempted to flee across Cauldwell Avenue but was fatally shot by his assailant. Family members described the escalating tension on social media that led to the deadly encounter, emphasizing the needless nature of the conflict. Laquai’s aunt lamented the prevalence of online disputes that turn into real-world violence, highlighting the tragic consequences of resorting to weapons in place of peaceful resolution.
According to Laquai’s grandmother, the shooting occurred following a physical altercation at the school involving his girlfriend and another individual, who brought her boyfriend to intervene. In the chaos that ensued, Laquai tried to protect his girlfriend by subduing her assailant, only to become a victim of gun violence himself. Despite efforts to save him, Laquai was pronounced dead at Lincoln Medical Center.
The unidentified perpetrator remains at large, leaving the community reeling from the loss of a promising young life. Laquai’s family described him as a caring individual who cherished time spent with loved ones and had aspirations of pursuing a career in the hospitality industry. His untimely death has left his sister, Nia’sky Dash, devastated, as she fondly recalls his kindness and unwavering support.
The tragic incident has reignited concerns about safety and security in the neighborhood, with residents urging authorities to bolster patrols around schools and public spaces. Community members expressed frustration over the prevalence of violence among young people and the need for preventative measures to avoid similar tragedies in the future. As the investigation into Laquai’s murder continues, the community grapples with the harsh reality of lives lost to senseless disputes and the urgent need for intervention to protect its youth.