TOLEDO, Ohio — A 16-year-old shot in west Toledo Wednesday afternoon has died, according to Toledo police.
Eric "EJ" Scott was found shortly before 1:30 p.m. suffering from at least one gunshot wound near the intersection of Amsterdam Road and Heathshire Drive and later died at the hospital. He was shot outside of a home in the area, according to police.
According to an autopsy report from the Lucas County Coroner's Office, Scott died as a result of two gunshot wounds to the torso and his death was ruled a homicide.
Police responded to the shooting on Hunters Trail and found the crime scene on Amsterdam Road.
An investigation into the shooting is underway.
If you have information, you can call or text Crime Stoppers at 419-255-1111. You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.
Scott was a cornerback for the Springfield High School Blue Devils football team, head coach LaCharles Smith confirmed to WTOL 11.
"He showed a lot of leadership this season and was working toward having a great senior year for us. Very good kid, well respected on our football team, school and within our community," Smith said in a statement to WTOL 11.
Scott was a junior at Springfield.
"Rumors are horrible and we were hoping it was only a rumor," Springfield Local Schools Superintendent Matt Geha said. "When it was confirmed Eric Scott had lost his life we wanted to start talking to his teachers. Our high school principal is awesome, he talked to every teacher then went ahead and contacted the rest of the staff, as well."
The district's director of community relations, Tayler Redinger, released a statement on Thursday morning:
"Last night our district experienced the tragic loss of junior Eric Scott Jr. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of EJ. EJ was an important part of our school community and football program. He will be remembered for his energetic, joyful spirit as well as his passion for the game of football. Our deepest condolences to EJ and his family at this time. We are here for you.
Students, parents, and families: At this time our teachers we want you to know that you are not alone. Counselors are in the building and as much support as you need - we are here. If you don't feel comfortable talking in person but still need to talk to someone, please reach out and call our School Counseling Office at 419-867-5632, or the Main Office at 419-867-5633.
Principals, Counselors, or Teachers will be posting additional information and resources through email or Google Classroom. These resources will be for how students can reach out for support. In addition, our building is open for all students and friends today gathering in the cafeteria together, see their teachers, and talk to a counselor. Teachers and Counselors and Principals will be in the building until 3 p.m.
As a school, we wanted to let our students and families know we will not be expecting academics to be a priority over break but right now we want to focus on their mental health and well-being. As we go through the day, please ask them to check their Google Classroom and their emails so we can better communicate resources and let them know how we can support them. Please keep tabs on social media and share anything that could benefit SHS students and encourage positive mental health.
Springfield High School Principal Robb Brown also sent out a statement to district families and parents Wednesday night, which reads, in part:
"All of us at Springfield High School were saddened to receive news today of the death of an 11th Grade student, Eric (EJ) Scott. How students react to this news will depend on the relationship they had with EJ, their age and level of development, or their prior experience with death. Some common reactions may include appearing unaffected; asking questions about death; being angry, withdrawn or moody; being sad or depressed; or having difficulty eating or sleeping.
Our district team of school counselors will be at Springfield High School throughout the day, Thursday, December 21st to provide emotional support for our students. If you have special concerns or would like additional support for your child, please call our School Counseling Office at 419-867-5632, or main office at 419-867-5633 and ask to speak with your child's school counselor. We know that you will join us in our concern, support, and sympathy for the family involved in and affected by Eric's passing. Our deepest sympathies go to his family and friends.
As a parent/caregiver, you may want to talk to your child about death because it impacts each child in different ways. We should expect, try to understand, and accept a variety of emotions and behaviors. The most important thing we can do is to be supportive and to encourage discussion about the feelings your child may experience in response to this tragic occurrence."
Below is a picture of Scott scoring a touchdown off of a pick six against Rogers High School in the Blue Devils' first win of the 2023 football season on Aug. 25.
