The Allen Eagles woke up Sunday morning to tragic news — one of their own had lost his life due to gun violence.
The news comes less than five months after A’mya Batie, a 16-year-old Allen cheerleader was shot and killed in Lewisville.
Just one day after beating Sasche 55-20 to advance to the area round of Class 6A, Division I playoffs, Allen suffered a huge loss as Marquel Ellis Jr., a sophomore wide receiver, was the victim of a shooting in Plano on Saturday evening.
Ellis was transferred to an area hospital where he later died as a result of his injuries. Friends and coaches across social media shared posts honoring Ellis:
You always made me laugh. You were a leader. You were crazy talented. You had hopes and big dreams. And You were taken too soon by the senseless stupid actions of someone else. As people We have to do better and be better. This is unacceptable. #LLM 💔 https://t.co/y4k3mJk8IG
— Coach Harlow (@HarlowAndrew) November 17, 2019
Allen Football’s head coach, Terry Gambill, has described Ellis as somebody who everyone got along with.
“His teammates loved him,” Gambill told Dallas Morning News on Sunday. “He loved his teammates, really just a good athlete; a good person.”
Allen ISD releases the following statement:
“We were notified earlier today of the tragic event that took the life of Marquel Ellis, Jr. was a sophomore at Allen High School. The school has arranged for counselors to be available for students and staff on Monday morning.”
Marquel Ellis – Eagle for Life! pic.twitter.com/LuiX2KlgSx
— Allen Eagles Football (@alleneaglesfb) November 17, 2019
Police have not yet identified any suspects on this case.
Allen’s football team is scheduled to face Rockwall on Friday at AT&T Stadium. Kickoff set for 8 p.m.
