Love Cannon was a 17-year-old girl described by her mother as one of the sweetest, happiest, and most loving people one could ever meet. A senior at Seaford High School in Delaware, Love was a cheerleader who always had a smile on her face and a heart full of love. She worked at a Sonic Drive-in in Bridgeville, where her employer remembered her as a bright, hard-working, and amazing young woman with "guaranteed energy," quick wit, and a confident mindset. Love was also involved in Unique Leadership, a program designed to build confidence in teen girls. Her mother, Shela, called her "my daughter, my baby, and my best friend," a girl with many dreams and an entire life ahead of her.
On Halloween night, Saturday, October 31, 2026, Love was at an outdoor party in the 18000 block of Beach Highway (Route 16) in Ellendale, Delaware. Around 10 p.m., an unknown person opened fire on the crowd from a neighboring property.
The scene of the party was reportedly an empty lot next to the historic Ellendale Colored School. When Delaware State Police troopers arrived, they found a large crowd and multiple people with gunshot wounds. Nine people in total were shot.
Love Cannon, of Seaford, was struck by the gunfire and rushed to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, where she tragically died. Eight other young people, ranging in age from 17 to 22, were also wounded. A 20-year-old man from Seaford sustained life-threatening injuries but was later reported to be in stable condition. The other seven victims—two 17-year-old males from Selbyville, a 19-year-old female from Ellendale, a 20-year-old male from Seaford, a 20-year-old female from Seaford, a 20-year-old female from Greenwood, and a 22-year-old female from Laurel—suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is leading the investigation into the mass shooting. Investigators noted the challenges presented by the large number of victims and potential witnesses. The town of Ellendale provided police with footage from recently installed traffic cameras near the corner where the shooting occurred, though the area itself was described by a neighbor as extremely dark at night. Ellendale's mayor, Samuel Noto, mentioned that a similar shooting incident had occurred at the same location a couple of years prior and that the town had previously dealt with issues related to large gatherings being held on the property.
The community was left shocked and saddened by the senseless violence in what residents described as a normally quiet town. The Seaford School District expressed its grief over the loss of its student and cheerleader, making grief counseling and support services available. Seaford Police Chief Marshall Craft extended his condolences, stating that the impact of the shooting was "deeply felt" in their city. Delaware Governor Matt Meyer condemned the shooting, saying, "No family should have to receive the call that someone they love has been shot... Every Delawarean deserves to feel safe in their community. This is not normal. We must never accept gun violence as a part of life in Delaware."
In the wake of her death, Love's mother started a fundraiser to help with funeral and memorial expenses. On the page, she wrote, "Love deserved so much more time here with us. Although her life was cut short, the love she gave and the memories she left behind will stay with us forever. Forever 17. Forever Our Love."
As of early November 2026, the investigation is active and ongoing. No arrests have been made, and the shooter remains at large. The Delaware State Police urge anyone who attended the party or has any information to contact Detective B. McDerby at (302) 741-2821. Tips can also be submitted through the Delaware State Police's Facebook page or by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333.
