Victim Of Deadly Choctaw Football Game Shooting Identified

The victim who died as a result of a shooting during a high school football game on Friday has been identified by his family.

Cordea Carter, 16, was shot and killed during the Del City-Choctaw game at Bill Jensen Field.

“He was an amazing young man," said Gloria Johnson, Cordae's aunt.

Police said the shooting started as an argument on the visitor's side of the field. No arrests have been made.

Related Story: Questions Linger Following Deadly Shooting During Choctaw Football Game

On Saturday, Mid-Del schools released a statement saying a Midwest City student had died in the shooting.

Read the full statement released on Saturday by Mid-Del Schools:

Dear Bomber Families:

It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the death of one of our Bombers who was in attendance during the Del City at Choctaw High School football game on Friday, August 25. There are no words to adequately describe our sympathy for the family of our student. Additionally, we know that the coming days and weeks will be difficult for our students and staff. We will have grief counselors available for anyone needing to speak with someone.

Any time a student death occurs, reactions are varied. Please be alert for any of the following indications of grief

Physical - changes to sleep patterns or eating habits

Emotional - changes such as unusual fears, anger, worry or clinging

Social - loss of interest in usual activities.

Open communication between parents and children is very important. If you think your child is having a particularly difficult time dealing with this situation, please contact the school for assistance.

In a press release sent to media Saturday morning, Choctaw Police Chief Kelly Marshall confirmed that a 16-year-old boy had died. The Del City Eagles were in Choctaw to face the Yellowjackets in Week 0 of the high school football season.

A 42-year-old man was shot in the chest as well, Marshall confirmed. He was transported to a local hospital where he spent most of the night in surgery. Police added that several people at the scene contributed life-saving measures to the man.

From the press release sent by Choctaw Police:

Choctaw Superintendent David Reid, Choctaw Safety Coordinator Steve Keiffer and his brother who is a trauma surgeon began life-saving efforts on the 42-year-old who had sustained the gun shot to his chest.

A number of parents and students who were present during the shooting returned to the scene on Saturday to recall exactly what happened and gather any belongings that were left behind during the frenzy.

“I remember hearing someone say 'Oh my god they're shooting' and that panic started to really set in and everyone just went," recalled Jared Johnson, a member of the Choctaw band.

Choctaw mother Allison Yarbrough returned to the spot where she huddled with her daughter.

"But I was scared because I didn't know where they were coming from. So, we just huddled right down here until everything calmed down," Yarbrough said.

Some fled in fear, while some were frozen in fear.

"It just was a lot and I guess it didn't hit me until this morning. The magnitude of it and how it's affected so many of our children," Yarbrough said.

One cheerleader was also shot in her thigh, treated and then released.

"Everybody sort of scattered right here and screamed,” said Yarbrough. "The parents picked her up and put her on the table just right over here in the corner. One guy was holding his hand down on her thigh, her upper left thigh."

In all, there were five injuries due to the incident, police said, including two girls believed to be students who were hurt trying to escape the scene. One sustained a broken wrist, and the other a broken leg.

The shooting also involved an off-duty Del City Police officer, according to Police Chief Loyd Berger.

"One of our officers was involved and discharged his weapon. As far as who or if he hit anything, I really don't know at this point," said Berger.

Berger said that two of his officers were at the game to help with security.

According to the press release from Choctaw Police, several law enforcement institutions are cooperating on the investigation.

The Choctaw Police Department is investigating the homicide and is being assisted by the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, Del City Investigators are working in conjunction as well. The Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office Technical Investigators responded to the scene and processed the evidence.

Multiple video broadcasts from the game showed players and fans running away from the Del City side of the stadium after at least two gunshots.

Three people were detained at the time, but the Choctaw Police chief said Friday night that she could not confirm that they had anything to do with the shooting. Marshall said nobody was in custody for this shooting.

News 9 received a joint statement early Saturday morning from school officials in Del City and Choctaw:

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all affected by tonight’s incident. Both districts are working jointly with the police presence from Choctaw, Del City, and Oklahoma County in an ongoing investigation. The police will provide further details as they become available. 

David Reid, Superintendent Choctaw-Nicoma Park

Dr. Rick Cobb, Superintendent Mid-Del

Choctaw Mayor Chad Allcox released a statement on Saturday stating,

Last night our community experienced a horrific tragedy at Bill Jensen Field during the Del City vs. Choctaw high school football game in Choctaw, Oklahoma. On behalf of the city of Choctaw, our hearts and prayers are with the families of those who were killed or injured, students, coaches, families and first responders and all those who had to experience such a horrific event.

Thank you to the first responders, coaches, parents, and students who put their lives on the line to prevent this tragedy from escalating further, and in cases used their own bodies to shield others. Thank you to the supporting agencies who quickly responded.

As our community continues to heal, I am confident we will become closer, stronger and even more resilient because of the amazing people in and around the community. #prayforchoctaw, #prayfordelcity, #strongertogether, #choctawstrong

Oklahoma State Supt. Ryan Walters released a statement Saturday afternoon stating,

Last night’s events in Choctaw is tragic. Violence of any kind has no place at our school events, and anyone who would threaten our kids must be swiftly brought to justice.

OSDE stands ready to assist them with all available resources and I have spoken to Choctaw Superintendent David Reid and Mid-Del Superintendent Rick Cobb this morning to offer OSDE’s full support and assistance. 

I hope all Oklahomans will join my family and me in prayer for all those affected by senseless acts.

The Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association released a statement Saturday morning.

The OSSAA is deeply saddened and concerned with the shootings that took place last night at high school football games in Oklahoma. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who was in attendance. We have offered our assistance and support to all the schools involved as they continue to gather details.

The Oklahoma County Commissioner Brian Maughan’s released the following statement: 

“My thoughts and prayers are with the Choctaw and Del City communities and the families of those impacted by last night’s shooting. My deepest condolences to the family of the victim who has now passed away.” - Commissioner Brian Maughan

During live coverage late Friday and early Saturday on News 9, a Del City parent talked to News 9's Deanne Stein about what she witnessed.

"(My daughter) called me and told me she and some other students were up under a bleacher, and all I could hear was just screaming and crying and yelling," said Christina Goodwin.

She said her daughter heard gunfire and that it sounded like people were shooting back and forth at each other before everybody took off running.

"I asked her if she was OK, and she said she was OK," Goodwin added.

She said that everybody there was "crying and scared," and it led Goodwin to prayer.

"I just started praying for her and them, and that God would watch over them," Goodwin said.