'Loss For The World:' Maplewood Shooting Victim Mourned

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Columbia High School soccer star Moussa Fofana, 18, was the leading scorer for his squad this past season with many happy memories surrounding Underhill Sports Complex. And it was there that Fofana was shot and killed on Sunday night, leaving relatives, classmates, teammates and teachers to mourn him.

A 17-year-old classmate was also shot, but is recovering, according to authorities. The Essex County Prosecutor's Office and police said Tuesday that they were still investigating to find a suspect and a motive.

As police continued their search, the two communities that comprise Columbia High School's student body — Maplewood and South Orange — reeled from the tragedy.

Hawa Fofana, Moussa's mother, told the New York Times that a friend had called her Sunday to tell her that her son had been shot. When she called Moussa's cell phone, a police officer picked up and told her he had passed away.

A fellow soccer player who started a GoFundMe for Fofana's family had raised more than $74,000 as of Tuesday morning.

"We played soccer together for Columbia and played pickup games at under hill this young man was so bright and had big aspirations of becoming a professional soccer player," Frederik Hoffman wrote. "The community and I are lost for words. I am in contact with Moussa's family and close friends and will make sure the money is given directly to them."

He posted an update saying Moussa's mother would take over the page later that week.

CBS News reported that friends of Moussa said he and the other teen were likely taking a shortcut through the field to watch a boxing match at a friend's house.

Throughout Maplewood, South Orange and beyond, community members remembered the soccer player and his family.

"This is so heartbreaking," wrote Shaina Johnson on the fundraising page. "His mom does my hair and he would always come by the shop to check on her. She’s always so nice. You can tell she loves her kids so much."

"Moussa was an amazing friend and an even better person," wrote David Shevchuk. "Terrible, terrible loss for the community and for the world. RIP buddy, hope you're playing soccer up there."

Rev. Grant Mansfield at St. George's Episcopal Church in Maplewood wrote:

"This event has shaken our community to its core. He was a friend to many, including some of our own youth here at St. George's," he wrote. "Whether we knew him or not, his death is a tragedy and breaks our hearts. Taken from this world just as his life was beginning, he now joins a long line of lives stolen from their families, friends, and communities by gun violence. ... If there was ever a time for us to hold one another with deep love, grace, and compassion, it is now."

Danielle Cayo noted that Fofana's smile will be missed.

"But it is shining up in the stars in the heavens as it brightened every life you touched," she said.

Lia Parisien shared that her family was touched by Fofana's kindness firsthand.

"Moussa kindly took my 12-year-old nephew under his wing on the soccer field," she said. "Our family is heartbroken for you and hopes that you feel the same support that Moussa gave to others."

Superintendent Ronald Taylor addressed the shooting in a letter to the community on Monday, and reminded the student body that help was available.

"We are activating the County Grief Counseling Services via the Traumatic Loss Coalition, to support our students and staff," he said. "We offer our sincere condolences to the family in their time of need."

Watch Maplewood Patch for updates. READ MORE: Maplewood Shooting: Two Teens Shot At School Fields, One Fatally

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