Latest news with #balloonrelease
CBS News
2 days ago
- CBS News
Family, friends gather for balloon release to honor teens killed in Limerick Township crash
It was an emotional day for family and friends of the three teens who were killed in a crash Wednesday following a police chase in Limerick Township. Loved ones of Gabriel Cooper, 17, Nasir Youk, 17 and Siniyah Newsuan, 17, came together for a balloon release to honor their lives two days after their deaths. "We have to hold onto those beautiful memories," said Meelin Youk, Nasir's aunt. Over 100 people were in attendance for the balloon release in Spring City, where the kids grew up. Nasir Youk and Newsuan were rising juniors at Owen J. Roberts High School. Cooper was also a former student of the district. Their teachers and classmates were also present during the balloon release. In attendance was also Nasir Youk's mother, who is heartbroken over the loss. "This is just unbelievable," Angela Andrews, Nasir Youk's mother, said. "He was a good kid. He was a good kid. He was just living a full life as a kid would. This is unfortunate. I'm upset. I am extremely upset." Siniyah Newsuan, 17, [left], Nasir Youk, 17, [middle] and Gabriel Cooper, 17 [right]. CBS News Philadelphia. A 15-year-old boy was injured as well. Surveillance video captured the moment before the crash shows a car speeding down Ridge Pike with police not far behind. According to the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office, the teens were connected to a potential theft at a nearby Target. Nasir Youk's grandmother, Meejain Youk, believes her grandson should still be alive. "Why didn't you stop them at the door?" she said. "Why did you wait until they got in the car, and then the police had the license plate number. They did not have to pursue," she said. "The reason they ran is because they were afraid." Andrews said the family has yet to speak with police or the DA's office about what happened, but she hopes they can get answers soon. "The detectives or whoever was supposed to call me back never called me back," she said. CBS News Philadelphia reached out to the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office regarding the family's concerns about the police chase, but a spokesperson said the police couldn't comment because it's still an active investigation.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Heartbroken family, friends hold balloon release for man killed in Fairmount Park shooting
The Brief It was a solemn evening in North Philadelphia as friends, family and community members released balloons Friday evening honoring one of the victims of Monday's deadly shooting. 21-year-old Mikhail Bowers, loved by many in his Philly community, was remembered as a young father whose life was tragically cut short. NORTH PHILADELPHIA - A young father was honored and remembered Friday night as family, friends and his community gathered to release balloons following his tragic death in the Fairmount Park deadly Memorial Day shooting. A family's grief "This is where he came up. He would've loved to be right here," James Hargrove, Mikhail's grandfather, said. Hargrove said Bowers would have loved being among his friends, family and neighbors at 30th and Norris, where he grew up. Hargrove is hoping those who survived the shooting and saw the shooters will help investigators learn who shot and killed Mikhail and 23-year-old Amya Devlin and wounded nine others on Lemon Hill Monday night. "Whoever is listening, it's not about the money, the reward. Bring some justice for him, because you don't need people on the street like that, shooting in the crowd. There could be babies and all that, you know what I mean? I'm hurting, but I can't cry. I've been crying too much," Hargrove remarked. What they're saying Mikhail's family was overwhelmed to see they have an even bigger family, showing up to honor the 21-year-old father of two. With red and black balloons and others spelling out his name, gathering on the playground Mikhail spent so much time on as a child. His grandmother, Wanda Bowers, said, "It's good everyone's coming up to me, telling me how much my grandson was loved around here. You see it on the news, but you never think it will hit home but it did. They need to stop with the gun violence. I don't really know what to say, Steve. They just need to stop with the gun violence." Heartbreaking loss People of all ages turned out to honor Mikhail and all were trying to make sense of the senseless. Mikhail's aunt, Valerie Matthews, said, "Keep in mind, he was lost. He was taken away for no reason at all. He was a good guy. He was a sweetheart, he loved to hug." "I'm gonna miss my cousin and I just hope that the gun violence in Philadelphia will stop for once," Averi Warren, Mikhail's cousin, said.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Yahoo
Mom of 12-year-old fatally shot inside West Oak Lane home speaks out at balloon release: 'Give me my son back'
The Brief A balloon release was held Monday for 12-year-old Ethan Parker who died from a gunshot to the chest. A 17-year-old has been charged in his death. Police have not released a motive in the shooting. PHILADELPHIA - On Monday evening, family and friends released balloons outside the home where 12-year-old Ethan Parker lived in West Oak Lane. It took place diagonally across the street from the home where Ethan lost his life. What we know The Philadelphia Police say around 12:30 on Saturday afternoon they found Ethan shot once in the chest and unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at Einstein soon after, just before 1 p.m. Investigators say a 17-year-old is charged with third-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and other charges. Police say guns were found inside the West Oak Lake home. What they're saying "He was a good baby and I miss my boy," said his mother Zakia Brice. She is and her son's father Syiee Parker cannot believe their son is gone. They called him Papa because of his maturity. "My son was a teddy bear, he was a protector, he loved his brothers and he loved his sisters," said Brice. "Just give me my son back. I would trade in all this company and all this attention to hug my son again," said his mom. Family members say Ethan and his 15-year-old brother were with the suspect. Initial reports from police were that they may have been making a music video. But the family tells me they were there listening to music. While police have not released a motive, the family does not believe the shooting was accidental. Ethan's stepmom says she was talking to the suspect while trying to save Ethan before emergency crews got there. "It was conflicting stories when I was giving CPR. When I asked him what happened he told me one thing. But I did not see what he was talking about," said his stepmom, Christa Jackson. His aunts are upset about social media posts about the shooting. "They're talking about my nephew in a way as if he was some type of drill rapper or he was into that stuff. He was not into that stuff," said his aunt Donshae John. Jasmeen Walden is another one of Ethan's aunts. "This is heartbreaking and I do not know what to say about this gun violence in Philly right now. But it is just bad," she cried. Ethan's mom is leaning on faith to get her through this. "I can't cry anymore. I have been crying since I got that call and I just have to forgive," she said. What we don't know Police have not released the 17-year-old suspect's name. The Source The information in this story is from Philadelphia police and the victim's family.
