New Albany, Indiana – An 18-year-old high school football star is being posthumously remembered for his bravery following a tragic shooting incident during the Harvest Homecoming Festival on Saturday night. Bryce Gerlach, a senior at Corydon Central High School, died after being shot while attempting to protect others from gunfire that erupted during a dispute at the festival.
The incident occurred just before 10 p.m. near State Street and Black Avenue, where festival rides were set up. According to reports, multiple shooters were involved, and the gunfire struck three innocent bystanders, including Gerlach. This act of unselfishness saw Gerlach shielding friends from the bullets, a testament to his character, as described by his close friend, Tanner Chumly. “It was very selfless what he did… That’s how people remember him because that’s what he was he was a hero,” Chumly stated.
New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey confirmed that the victims were not connected to the argument that led to the shooting. He identified the suspects as Black males in their teens and early 20s. Unfortunately, no arrests have yet been made, and Bailey noted that the suspects pose a danger to the public due to the reckless nature of their actions.
New Albany Mayor Jeff Gahan expressed his profound disapproval of the gun violence that disrupted the community gathering, stating, “Gun violence at a family festival is heartbreaking and tragic.” The mayor emphasized the importance of addressing this issue to prevent future violence in such community events.
The shooting left two others injured: Brendan Hagan, 22, who was shot in the leg and is currently hospitalized, and an unnamed 42-year-old woman who has since been treated and released. Hagan described the fear as he heard the shots ring out, explaining that he was merely trying to enjoy the festival with his family.
The festival’s Sunday events were canceled following the shooting. Bryce Gerlach was set to play his final home football game this coming Friday, with his father actively looking into college recruitment opportunities for him. Superintendent Mark Eastridge spoke of the profound loss felt by their school community, “To have his innocence and his life ripped from him by senseless violence makes it all the more difficult to deal with.”
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a young life taken too soon. People are left hoping that love and goodness will prevail over this kind of tragic violence.
