Community Mourns Former Timber Creek, Temple Football Star

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — The community is mourning a former football star from Gloucester Township who was fatally shot in Philadelphia on Monday.

Zaire Williams, 25 of Sicklerville, was shot near Temple University Monday morning, according to an online fundraiser launched by a friend.

He was shot in the head following a fistfight that began at a local bar, according to CBS 3. After the fight, he was shot in the head. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

“He was respected by his peers, and looked up to as a leader in the community,” Dajuan Drennon wrote in a GoFundMe campaign organized to help the family raise money for his funeral. “We mourn the loss of such a bright soul that had much more to live for. … Please take a minute to tell your love ones how much they mean to you. Life is short and our time here is limited. Live everyday to the fullest and make sure your presence known when you step in every room; I know Zaire would!”

The page had raised nearly $1,000 as of Tuesday morning. To make a donation, visit GoFundMe.

Williams played football at Temple in 2013 and 2014, after playing running back at Timber Creek Regional High School.

At Temple, was named academic all-conference in 2013 and was named to the 2014 Director’s Honor Roll, according to his profile on Temple University’s website.

He was the 16th ranked player coming out of New Jersey in 2013, according to his profile on Temple University’s website. He was ranked No. 36 in the country by Rivals.com that year. His father is a media studies and production major at the university.

“Man........ life is short I can’t believe this news. RIP Zaire,” Williams’ Temple teammate and XFL player PJ Walker wrote on social media.

After playing at Temple, he transferred to the University of Maine, where he was excited to get a new start, according to The Bangor Daily News.

Others expressed their love for Williams on social media.

“RIP Zaire Williams,” one person wrote. “You’ve left your love, and nothing but great memories. We miss and love you.”

“He truly was a one of a kind man,” wrote another, who said Williams touched a lot of people in a lot of different directions. “ ... As people, all we have is each other. Regardless of what bar or nightclub around Philly is your stomping ground, make it a point to be nice to each other when we’re all out. Spread love and empower one another so that we don’t have to lose another friend, brother, cousin, son, mentor & role model at such a young age. Love you Z, this weekend I undo a couple buttons and let my chest hang out for you. Now you close your eyes and rest peacefully among the hands of the lord. See you soon brother.”

“We ate every meal together, went to every party together, drove around town almost every night to talk about life and smoke a mild, we supported each other, and cared for each other so deeply,” another wrote. “You have always been family to me, Z. You are the biggest goofball I have ever met and can so easily put a smile on anyone’s face.”