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Tragedy struck at a Tennessee park on Friday night when gunfire erupted during a pre-prom photo session, resulting in the death of one student and injuries to four others, authorities reported.
The incident occurred in the 900 block of Key Corner Street at Webb Banks Passive Park in Brownsville, approximately 60 miles northeast of Memphis. Responding officers discovered five individuals with gunshot wounds. All were transported to a nearby hospital, where one was later declared deceased, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to Fox News Digital.
“Special agents from the TBI are collaborating closely with the Brownsville Police Department to probe this apparent homicide that has left multiple people injured,” said the spokesperson.
Witnesses recounted that the park was teeming with over 100 students and several vehicles for the photo session just before the shooting unfolded. Police and emergency responders were on the scene within minutes, as reported by FOX 13.
Witnesses said that the park was crowded with over 100 students and numerous vehicles for a “photo session” just moments before the shooting. Police and emergency crews arrived within minutes, according to FOX 13.
Officials have not yet disclosed any information about a potential suspect or motive.
Haywood County Schools identified the victim as student Saturah Hayes and announced schools would be closed Monday to allow students, staff and families time to grieve.
The school district also said prom had ended early following the incident.
A daytime view of Webb Banks Passive Park in Brownsville, Tennessee. (WHBQ )
“Saturah was a hard-working student with a positive attitude. She was full of potential and promise with hopes and plans for the future that will now remain unrealized,” the district wrote in a statement on Facebook.
“We can only hope to uplift her family as they attempt to work through this time of profound grief. We mourn not only the loss of a young life, but also the future unrealized. She will be greatly missed.”
Haywood County Sheriff Billy Garrett Jr. described the shooting as a “senseless tragic event” that disrupted what should have been a celebration.
“I will commit this sheriff’s office and all our resources, to bring justice for her family. Our county is a great place to live and is a strong, close knit community, especially in times like these,” Garrett Jr. said.
A sign marks Webb Banks Passive Park in Brownsville, Tennessee. (WHBQ )
Brownsville Mayor William D. Rawls echoed those sentiments, calling the shooting “senseless and heartbreaking.”
“To the family of the loved one who was lost, and to those who were injured, I extend my deepest condolences and prayers,” Rawls said. “Please know that I am truly sorry from the bottom of my heart. Our entire community mourns with you, and we stand beside you during this incredibly difficult time.”
The Brownsville Police Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.