High School Student, 16, Remembered for Her 'Radiant Smile and Kind Heart' After Being Killed During Shooting at Party
A Louisiana teen, McKenzie Rideau, was killed during a shooting at a house party on May 20
She was described by her family as "a smart and beautiful individual with big plans for the future"
Rideau was also remembered by the principal of her school, who called her "a beloved student whose presence touched every corner of our campus"A Louisiana community is in mourning after a high school volleyball player was killed this week during a shooting at a house party.
During the early morning of Tuesday, May 20, a shooting took place in the area of Central Parkway near Overhill Drive in the city of Lake Charles, the Lake Charles Police Department (LCPD) confirmed to NBC affiliate KPLC.
Authorities identified the victim as a "young lady," per KPLC, and Lake Charles College Prep, a local charter school, later named her as 16-year-old McKenzie Rideau in a social media post.
Neighbors told the outlet they believed the shooting took place in a short-term rental unit during a high school graduation party. They added that they heard between 30 and 50 gunshots around midnight.
The LCPD did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for more information on Saturday, May 24.
In the social media statement, Lake Charles College Prep Principal Freddie L. Harrison lll wrote, "It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the passing of one of our own, McKenzie Rideau, a beloved student whose presence touched every corner of our campus."
"McKenzie was more than just a student, she was a light. As a proud member of the volleyball team and our vibrant flag line, McKenzie brought energy, determination, and joy to every practice, every performance, and every moment in between," he continued.
"Her radiant smile and kind heart made it easy for others to feel seen, welcomed and accepted. She had a rare gift for making people feel like they belonged, always encouraging, always uplifting, always trying to help everyone fit in," added the educator of Rideau.
Harrison also remembered Rideau for her "compassion, leadership and friendship," as he called on the community to "continue lifting McKenzie's family, friends and teammates."
"Let us honor her memory by continuing to lead with kindness, love, and unity just as she did every day," the principal added.
Following the shooting, a neighbor, who captured the sound of apparent gunshots on a security camera, recalled hearing "what sounded like fireworks underneath my carport" before the sound of people "taking off in their cars" and screaming.
Police confirmed to KPLC that the shooting took place during a large gathering, with dozens of people between the ages of 16 and 22 at the home.
'I can tell you the detectives with the Lake Charles Police Department are working on identifying people who were there, identifying suspects, and they're working very hard," Chief Shawn Caldwell told the outlet.
"We have some people of interest, an actual suspect, I don't want to say suspect yet, but we have identified some people, and we still have a lot of work left to do," Caldwell added.
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The anonymous neighbor also told KPLC that the shooting 'puts me a little more on edge," adding that "no neighborhood is safe in this area" and that people are "dying from useless actions."
Friends, family and classmates of Rideau joined forces on May 23 for a balloon release in her honor, and a GoFundMe campaign has since been launched in an effort to support her family. (The campaign has raised roughly $6,000 of a $10,000 goal.)
"Please keep our family in your prayers as we mourn the [loss] of McKenzie. If you knew her you knew how much of a loving and outspoken person she was. A smart and beautiful individual with big plans for the future," the fundraiser's description reads, adding that the teen was "loved by so many."
"She's gained her wings where she'll reunite with her little brother Prince," the description continues. "We thank you all for the love and support as it does not go unnoticed. Anything is appreciated. Justice4McKenzie ❤️. Services [have not been] announced yet. We will have a date once we get back with the detectives. Thank you!!"
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