Reaction Pours In After Deadly Choctaw Shooting

Reaction from city officials, authorities and schools are pouring in following an argument Friday night on the visitor's side of Bill Jensen Field in Choctaw that led to a deadly shooting at an Oklahoma high school football game.

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Mid-Del City schools released the following statement on Saturday, confirming the victim was a Midwest City student:

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. His name has not been released, but Marshall said he was neither a student at Choctaw High School nor at Del City High School. The Del City Eagles were in Choctaw to face the Yellowjackets in Week 0 of the high school football season.

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

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 on the man.

One "young female" was also shot in her thigh, treated and then released.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.