'The Community Is Devastated': Wyandanch Mourns Young Man's Death

WYANDANCH, NY —On Monday 20-year-old Alonte Shipp was outside his home on Lake Drive in Wyandanch at 4:30 a.m. when he was fatally shot in an altercation. The shooter has not been identified by police, who say the investigation is still active.

The community of Wyandanch, where Shipp was well-known as a promising high school football running back, was reeling this week from the news.

Paul Sibblies, Wyandanch High School Principal, said he was numb after hearing the news.

"Here is a young man that has been through so much but overcame it all to attend college. His desire was to prove people wrong about his character. Alonte Shipp will forever mean something to me," Sibblies wrote in a Facebook post.

"He was respectful, talented and loving to his family. My heart hurts to know someone cut his life short for senseless reasons."

Shipp's mother, Lakeicha Sexton, told Newsday that the family wants justice for those who took her son's life. He was reportedly sitting in a car with a female friend when he was shot.

Those who knew Shipp remembered his bright personality and his talents.

"He was loved by his family, he was loved by his community, he was loved by his teammates. Alonte set a good example for us to follow," his former high school coach Dwight Singleton told Newsday.

Gerren Nixon lives in Wyandanch and says that the community is rallying around the family.

"Everybody knew about him—he was a very popular kid. I just feel bad for his mom, she put it all on the line for her kids," he told Patch.

"The community is devastated and we are just trying to console his mom. She is very beloved and so was Alonte. Hopefully we get some answers."

A GoFundMe has been set up by a relative to raise costs for funeral expenses.