MONETTA, S.C. () – A former High School Athlete is being remembered after he was killed last week in a shooting in Aiken County.

Last week, the Aiken County Coroner’s Office confirmed 21-year-old Remedee Jennings-Leaphart died in a shooting here in Monetta.

He was a star football player at Ridge Spring-Monetta a few years ago, and his former coach tells me it’s a devastating loss.

Investigators say the shooting happened last Friday on the 100 block of Pine Circle. 

Leaphart was driven by a family member to a clinic then transferred by EMS to Lexington Medical Center where he died.

“My first thought was just, what a tragic story. Just sadness for him and his family. I taught his sister, I know his mom, I know the whole family and that community. Rem was such a great player when he played for us,” said Brian Smith.

Brian Smith is coming off of his second season as head football coach at Barnwell High School.

But before this, he was on the sidelines wearing light blue — coaching his son and Leaphart as Trojans. 

“My son Brett was a receiver, and they connected on a lot of touchdowns and a lot of pass plays, and it was very important for those two to be together,” Smith said.

Leaphart led the Trojans to the state quarterfinals his senior season, and played for Team South Carolina for Border Bowl IX in 2022.

He was also voted All-CSRA that year.

“He was Lamar Jackson with a football in his hands,” said Smith. “One time he made a pass play against Great Falls in 2021, his senior year in the playoffs. He was running to our home sideline, he got right in front of me and just launched the ball 50 yards in the end zone to a receiver standing on the back pylon and never moved. It’s one of the most amazing throws I remember seeing in high school football.”

Coach Smith is also remembering Leaphart for his passion and dedication to his team. 

“The big thing is that every day was consistent. He led our football team, and he was the same kid day in and day out,” said Smith.

Coach Smith and the community will gather for Leaphart’s funeral services this weekend.

Services will be at Celebration Church in Batesburg, South Carolina on Saturday, February 1st at 3 PM.