First Ocoee Memorial 5K Honors Teen Killed in Accidental Shooting

WINTER GARDEN, Fla. – Ten years after 13-year-old Lavardo “Eljay” Fisher died in an accidental shooting, his Central Florida family is honoring his memory by turning heartbreak into action. A new memorial 5K is celebrating Fisher’s life while promoting the importance of firearm safety.

Fisher’s relatives were joined at the inaugural race by former teachers, coaches and community members who have continued standing by the family over the past decade.

Ocoee Middle School, where Fisher was once a student, also had a presence at the event.

For Fisher’s mother, Fabiola Nelson, seeing so many people come together was deeply emotional. “Just extremely overwhelmed with so much love, support,” she said. “I literally broke down because we have Ocoee Middle School, which is the middle school that Lavar went to.” Fisher died in February 2016 following an accidental shooting.

Friends, educators and family members say Fisher’s legacy should reflect the joy and promise of his life—not only the tragedy that took it.

The memorial 5K serves two purposes: keeping Fisher’s memory alive and urging families to store firearms securely.

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Jerry Nelson, Fisher’s stepfather, said children continue to encounter guns that have not been properly secured. “Kids are finding, you know, firearms that’s tucked under a bed or tucked under a pillow rather than with a gun lock on it or in a safe,” he said.

The event also reflects the family’s understanding that grief does not disappear with time. “We have a sign out there that says that grief has no expiration,” Fabiola Nelson said. “So there’s really not a moving forward. But this right here is what brings it together as well, like keeping him alive.”

Throughout the race, Fisher’s photograph and his family’s message remained central: remember Eljay, stand with those who loved him and help prevent another family from enduring a similar loss.

Jerry Nelson said his message to Fisher has never changed. “I love you. I miss you,” he said. “Thank you for keeping me young and keeping me exercising.” Fisher’s family hopes the memorial 5K will become an ongoing tribute to his legacy and keep firearm safety at the forefront of the community conversation.