Teenager killed in shooting was ‘beloved member’ of Pierce County high school
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Superintendent Lance Goodpaster released a statement about Braylon Daniel Diaz's death.
- The district's counseling response team established safe spaces at Washington High.
- PCSO released video of a red four‑door car and asked the public to call with tips.
The Franklin Pierce School District has spoken out about a shooting that killed a student last week.
In a Facebook post at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, superintendent Lance Goodpaster released a statement about 17-year-old Braylon Daniel Diaz, who died after being shot in Parkland.
“By now many of you have learned about the death of a beloved member of our community after an off-campus incident Sunday night,” Goodpaster wrote. “Braylon Diaz was a junior at Washington High School who was deeply connected to our school community through his involvement in the WHS football and soccer programs. He had previously attended Brookdale Elementary and Keithley Middle, and his ties in this community run deep.”
Goodpaster said the community is beginning to “process this loss” and urged everyone to check in with their friends and family.
“Franklin Pierce Schools is working to support students, staff, and families with the care and compassion needed in this time of grief. Our counseling response team established safe spaces at Washington High School on Tuesday and will continue to keep those spaces available as long as needed,” the post said. “Additional counseling and mental health support resources are available to students and employees across the district throughout the school year. I encourage parents and guardians to contact your student’s school if you have questions about the resources and support services available within our schools and community.”
A GoFundMe set up for Diaz’s family had raised $24,350 as of Thursday morning. The fundraiser says all proceeds will go towards Diaz’s funeral expenses and to support his family during this challenging time.
“Braylon Daniel Diaz was a bright, loving 17-year-old who meant the world to our family. He was tragically shot and killed while walking his girlfriend home on a residential street, leaving us devastated and searching for answers,” the fundraiser said. “Braylon’s life was cut short far too soon, and his loss has left a deep void in the hearts of everyone who knew him.”
What happened to Diaz?
The News Tribune previously reported that Diaz was walking in the 10200 block of Sheridan Avenue South when a car pulled up, and people inside robbed him of jewelry, shot him and then drove away. Police received the call at about 7:13 p.m. and, upon arriving, found Diaz’s body lying in the street.
Responding deputies tried to save Diaz’s life, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office said, but were unsuccessful.
On Tuesday, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office released a video of the car they believe was involved in the shooting.
In the video, the vehicle appears to be a red, four-door passenger car with tinted windows.
“Investigators are asking anyone with information about the vehicle or its occupants to call our office and speak with a detective,” Carly Cappetto, spokesperson for PCSO, said in a news release on Tuesday. “Detectives are also continuing to collect community surveillance footage from residents in the 10200 block of Sheridan Ave. S. and Ainsworth Ave. S., as well as any additional video that may capture or match the suspect vehicle.”
Residents can call PCSO at 253-287-4455.
