Former AAU basketball star Jayden Goodridge, 21, was gunned down just outside of East 149th Street and Jackson Avenue in the Bronx district of Mott Haven on Sunday evening, according to the New York Post. Goodridge was murdered for being in the wrong place at the wrong time by a person on an electric scooter who rode by and began shooting indiscriminately.
What Happened To AAU Star Jayden Goodridge?
Goodridge graduated from private Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains in Westchester County. He and two friends had just gotten off the train when he was shot, according to the New York Post.
It is with great sadness that we have learned of the tragic passing of alumnus Jayden Goodridge, Class of 2019.
We pray for the repose of his soul and for God’s mercy and care for his family and loved ones during this time of unimaginable grief.
Rest In Peace, Jayden. pic.twitter.com/fWBkZdIl4s
— Archbishop Stepinac High School (@StepinacHS) November 15, 2022
Goodridge and another unidentified man were outside, across the street from the local basketball courts when the assailant pulled up on an e-scooter and opened fire. Goodridge was hit in the stomach multiple times, while the other man with him was grazed in the lip. The other man, who is Goodridge’s friend, is fine and rejected medical attention from paramedics who responded to the scene.
While authorities believe that Goodridge wasn’t the intended target, he was the only one at the scene to pass away. The gunman is still at large, and authorities haven’t identified him yet. Another senseless shooting of an innocent victim.
Jayden Goodridge Was A Good Person
Goodridge was loved by his community, and he received much praise from his AAU coach Andre Thomas. Thomas who coached Goodridge for the AAU Riverside Hawks from 2016 to 2019 had a lot of positive things to say about the way Goodridge enlightened the team with his charisma and an enthusiasm that always made the team laugh.
“A huge heart, a big smile, loved by everyone, He always knew how to keep the fellas laughing. Good times, bad times, just a pleasure to coach, on and off the court.” per The New York Daily News.
Another witness, Rashad Haynes, was present when Goodridge was shot and detailed the basketball star’s reaction.
“He was screaming when he got hit like he was really, really scared,” Haynes said. “He ran and collapsed across the street right there in front of the school. There was a lot of blood on the ground after they put him into the ambulance. It was crazy, just crazy,” the New York Daily News reported.
On Nov 13 at 6:14 PM, outside St. Mary’s Park near E. 149th St. and Jackson Ave. in Mott Haven, Bronx, Jayden Goodridge, 21, was shot multiple times by this man on an e-bike, killing him. @NYPDTips is now looking for information about the incident. pic.twitter.com/QwOQtxwTGe
— Crime In NYC (@CrimeInNYC) November 16, 2022
“Butterball,” Goodridge’s nickname, was given to him by his grandmother because he was born on Thanksgiving. His death came just 10 days before his birthday on Nov. 23.
Goodridge is remembered for his personality and his character. He was an upstanding citizen and an even better teammate. But what really stuck out about him was his skills on the court. His diminutive stature never got in the way of him balling out, hence him being the star of his AAU team.
Despite his life being taken, many remember the fire and passion that Goodridge had for the game of basketball. This is articulated by not only his family and his coach but his friends as well.
An old high school friend, Keyanna Drew, also recollected Butterball’s love for basketball, and how peaceful he was, according to New York Daily News.
“All he really wanted to do was play basketball and stay out of the way. Jayden was a great soul . . . If I ever needed advice or someone to talk to about basketball or just life, Jayden was the guy.”
