17-Year-Old Killed in Halloween Party Shooting Remembered as “Kind and Talented” by Former Coach

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Family and friends are mourning the death of 17-year-old Talisse Patterson. Her former sixth-grade girls’ basketball coach, Cliff Collins, remembers her as a student whose kindness, good manners and athletic ability made a lasting impression.

Patterson was killed in a shooting outside a Halloween party along Arlington Expressway over the weekend. Collins, who coached Patterson at Springfield Elementary School in Jacksonville, reflected on her impact while describing the qualities that made her stand out. “I’ve been teaching since 2005, and you know a different child when you see one,” he said.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said Patterson was waiting in line outside the party when an argument erupted among people waiting to enter. Gunfire broke out moments later, killing Patterson and injuring two others.

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Collins said Patterson was respectful, eager to help others and naturally talented as an athlete. He also remembered the ability and determination she brought to the court. “A bullet doesn’t have a name on it when these things happen. It’s very tragic,” he said.

The loss is particularly painful for Collins because Patterson had so much of her life ahead of her. “That is someone, you know, doesn’t deserve that. Her life is ahead of her. I’m sure she was doing great in high school,” he said.

Collins said he hopes Patterson’s family feels the community’s support as they cope with her death. “To her family, we love you and I’m sorry that this happened and we’re here for you and hopefully the community comes and just surrounds them with love and shows compassion to what’s going on.”

First Coast News contacted the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office seeking an update on the investigation. No arrests had been announced as of Wednesday evening.