HOUSTON — As a community continues to mourn the loss of a star high school football player killed in a shooting, a former Houston-area star and current NFL player stepped up to help ease the financial burden.
Philadelphia Eagles star quarterback Jalen Hurts read about the passing of Jarvon Coles, 18, and decided to pay for his funeral expenses, Hurts' agent Nicole Lynn confirmed to KHOU 11 News. It was first reported by NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport.
Jarvon played football at North Shore High School. Hurts played for North Shore's rival, Channelview High School.
Jarvon was shot and killed at a house party in Humble on Saturday, March 9. As of Tuesday, March 19, his killer has yet to be caught. The Harris County Sheriff's Office said their investigation is still ongoing.
"If you’re the one who’s responsible for this I know it's eating you up," said Jarvons' grandfather Braxton Coles. I know you can’t sleep behind this because Jarvon was more than a name on a piece of paper. He was my guy and you guys took that from me. Please say something. Turn yourself in.”
Jarvon was laid to rest on Saturday, March 16. Hundreds of people paid their respects, including Hurts who sent in a video message for the family. That same day, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Houston Mayor John Whitmire declared March 16 "Jarvon Coles Day."
Jarvon's family has started a non-profit called "Crash Our For Cause" to stop gun violence from impacting kids.
The sheriff's office is asking anyone with information on this shooting to call their homicide decision or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477.