A teenager has reportedly died after being shot in Florida on New Year’s Eve.
The shooting happened just before midnight on Wednesday, Dec. 31, along North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, according to WPLG.
Police said a 17-year-old boy, later identified by family members as Joshua Gipson Jr., was taken to a hospital following the shooting. His family later confirmed that he died from his injuries.
A woman who identified herself as a close friend of the family said Gipson had been visiting Fort Lauderdale Beach with friends to celebrate the holiday. A witness told WPLG that the teen appeared to be an unintended victim, caught in the crossfire between two individuals who were shooting at each other.
Family members initially believed Gipson would survive. The family friend said he had been looking forward to attending Virginia Tech next year and had big plans for his future.
“I feel like I lost a child, and that’s not even my child,” the woman said, describing Gipson as “a ball of sunshine.”
She added that Gipson’s mother is “so distraught” and at a “loss for words” following the death of her son.
“He was a good boy — a good person, a good big brother, loving, caring, everything,” she said.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Fort Lauderdale Police Department or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477.
The Fort Lauderdale Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
