Tyrese Oneal Pryor, an 18-year-old African American male from Sulphur Springs, Texas, tragically passed away on December 17, 2017. He was a senior at Sulphur Springs High School and played outside linebacker and wide receiver for the Sulphur Springs Wildcats. Tyrese was also the cousin of Texas A&M safety Larry Pryor Jr.
The cause of Tyrese's death was a shooting incident that occurred on the evening of December 17, 2017.
According to reports, Tyrese was in a truck with four other people when Gavin Gilbert, a 17-year-old from Sulphur Springs, allegedly fired four shots into the vehicle. Two of these shots struck Tyrese, leading to his death.
Gavin Gilbert was arrested and charged with one count of murder and four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The altercation was reportedly over the sale of a small amount of marijuana. In August 2018, Gilbert was found guilty and sentenced to 55 years in prison. He will be eligible for parole in 27 and a half years.
The case drew significant attention in the local community and highlighted issues of youth violence and gun crime. The Hopkins County Sheriff's Office and local authorities conducted a thorough investigation, which led to Gilbert's arrest and subsequent conviction.
Tyrese's death was a tragic loss for his family, friends, and the Sulphur Springs community. His funeral was held on December 23, 2017, at League Street Church of Christ, with many people attending to pay their respects. The community continues to remember Tyrese and honor his memory.
