LOCAL

Hilltop shooting victim Issa Jeylani, 15, was a rising soccer star, community leader says

The Columbus Dispatch

Issa Jeylani died after being shot late Friday night. Community leader Zerqa Abid said Issa was playing soccer with his teammates just before the shooting. He was 15 at the time of his death.

Community members in Columbus' Hilltop neighborhood again are devastated after 15-year-old rising soccer star was shot and killed Friday night in Franklin Township.

Issa Jeylani was shot in the 4400 block of Sherwood Forest North, according to the Franklin County Sheriff's office. Medics took him to OhioHealth Doctors Hospital, where he died. Another victim also was shot but is expected to recover, and a third person suffered minor injuries during the aftermath but was not shot.

As of Saturday afternoon, police had not arrested any suspects.

Zerqa Abid, president of MY Project USA, worked with Issa at her nonprofit, where he volunteered. She said the community is devastated at losing him.

"You're talking about a very bright, very happy, optimistic kid," Abid said.

Issa was part of the Hilltop Tiger Soccer Club and Abid described him as a soccer "champion" and one of the best on the team. She said he was playing soccer with some of his teammates that night.

Issa Jeylani played soccer with the Hilltop Tigers Soccer Club. He also volunteered at MY Project USA. Zerqa Abid, founder of MY Project USA, said he was a bright person who brought a lot of joy to the community.

While Abid said Saturday that the sheriff's Office hadn't determined a motive in the shooting, she attributed the attack to gang violence. She said that while the teens were playing, a gang approached them looking for one of the teammates.

An argument broke out and the gang pulled out their weapons, she said.

She's now asking police and city leaders for protection for the team. She worries that anyone who may come forward could face repercussions without police protection.

"If the normal everyday people are not protected by police, nobody is going to come forward and tell on who did it," Abid said.

For now, she hopes the community will step up to support MY Project USA and other community organizations that help youth.

"Columbus is has lost a rising soccer star," Abid said. "Hilltop has lost an amazing young man who would be a great asset for our community."

Issa's family is currently accepting donations to help with funeral and memorial costs through their GoFundMe.

@abby_bammerlin

abammerlin@dispatch.com