Tragedy struck on Long Island late Saturday night when a young female college basketball player was fatally shot in Hempstead, just hours after taking the court for a road victory. The incident left the local community shocked and grieving, as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deadly shooting.
Law enforcement officials reported that the shooting occurred near Willow Avenue and Kennedy Avenue shortly before 11 p.m. Saturday. Police responded at approximately 10:50 p.m. to a ShotSpotter alert indicating gunfire in the area. Upon arrival, officers found three people with gunshot wounds. A paramedic pronounced the young woman dead at the scene, while two 20-year-old men were transported to a nearby hospital and listed in stable condition.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as the shots rang out. One student, who has been staying at the house near the incident for the semester, said students scattered in panic as officers quickly arrived on the scene. He mentioned that the two men who were injured were his teammates and expressed shock that such a violent event could occur in what was expected to be a routine evening. “I pray for her family and everything. She was only 19,” he said. “Everything happened outside. Like, we didn’t know anything was gonna happen.”
The shooting occurred just hours after the basketball team had secured a decisive victory. Earlier in the day, the player had logged a career-high number of minutes on the court, contributing significantly to her team’s success. She played as a guard, demonstrating skill and determination that had been steadily growing throughout her first season in collegiate basketball. Her contributions in this game marked a personal milestone, and the win had been a moment of celebration for her teammates.
Later identified as Amira McCleod, a sophomore at Monroe College from Queens, she had played for the Bronx campus team and was emerging as a key player for the Express. Her performance on Saturday included critical defensive plays and consistent scoring that helped secure a 67-44 victory over Dutchess Community College. The game marked her ninth appearance of the season, showcasing her development as a player and her growing confidence on the court.
Coach Damel Ling expressed deep sorrow upon learning of her death. He described the news as devastating, especially given that the team had just enjoyed a successful weekend on the court. “We just played Saturday, had a nice region win. They had a day off on Sunday, where they were supposed to focus on doing some schoolwork to close out the semester strong… And then… that was not the news I expected to wake up to,” he said. Ling emphasized that Amira was more than just an athlete; she was a vibrant presence in the team’s daily life. “She was strong-minded, strong-willed, and had a genuine heart,” he said. “Her smile would light up a room.”
McCleod’s basketball journey had shown a pattern of dedication and improvement. Earlier in the season, she had scored eight points and recorded three steals in a game against LaGuardia College. She followed that with a season-high 12 points and a steal at Dutchess Community College and added nine points and three steals at NJCAA Division II Orange County. Her consistency on the court earned her the respect of teammates and coaches alike, and her influence extended beyond statistics.
Off the court, McCleod had big ambitions for her future. In her Monroe Express bio, she noted that she was from Dundalk and had chosen Monroe College because of its supportive environment and focus on student development. She aspired to continue her education at a four-year institution and dreamed of opening her own clothing and sneaker store. Her profile highlighted a young woman focused on her future, balancing academics, athletics, and personal goals.
The university released a statement expressing its condolences and support for McCleod’s family, teammates, and roommates. “We are in close contact with Amira’s family, teammates, and roommates, offering our full support as they navigate this unimaginable loss,” Monroe College said. The athletics department and university officials have not provided additional comments, leaving much of the community to process the tragedy through shared memories and personal connections.
The shooting has sparked concern about public safety in the area, particularly in locations where students congregate. Authorities are investigating the motive and reviewing surveillance footage, while encouraging anyone with information to come forward. The investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement has committed to pursuing justice and ensuring community safety.
Friends and teammates have begun organizing ways to honor her memory. A candlelight vigil is planned in Queens, where McCleod’s family resides, and community members have been sharing tributes and messages of support on social media. Her passing has prompted widespread reflection on her achievements, her character, and the potential that was cut tragically short.
Coach Ling reflected on her impact, both as an athlete and a person. He highlighted her determination, resilience, and positive influence on those around her. “Everything about her was positive. Her energy, her drive, her love for the game, and her care for people around her… she leaves a lasting impression on all of us,” he said. The team is navigating the shock and grief of losing a teammate in such sudden and violent circumstances.
As the community mourns, there is also a focus on supporting the teammates and friends who were present during the incident. The two young men who were shot are recovering, and their classmates and fellow athletes have expressed relief that their injuries were not life-threatening, even as the tragedy of losing McCleod looms heavily.
The incident has drawn attention to broader issues surrounding gun violence and safety in student-populated areas. Community leaders and educators are emphasizing the importance of vigilance and preventive measures to protect young people. The shooting has reignited discussions about ensuring safe environments for students to live, study, and engage in extracurricular activities without fear.
McCleod’s death resonates not only with her immediate college community but also with the broader local and athletic community. Her growth as a basketball player, her leadership on the court, and her bright personality made her a standout figure among her peers. Her life, though brief, was marked by ambition, talent, and a drive to succeed both academically and athletically.
In reflecting on McCleod’s story, it is evident that she had already begun building a lasting legacy. Her commitment to her teammates, her community, and her personal goals exemplified the qualities of resilience, leadership, and empathy. The Monroe College community, along with residents across Long Island, are coming together to honor her memory and support one another through this shared grief.
As investigations continue, there is hope that the tragedy will lead to increased awareness and stronger measures to ensure student safety. Meanwhile, memorials and tributes serve as a reminder of the young life that was lost and the lasting impact she had on those around her. Her story is a poignant reminder of both the unpredictability of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
