A teenage high school cheerleader from Arizona, USA, was shot and died after leaving a home party on Sunday, May 14.
According to local media KPNX-TV, police said they responded to a shooting in Tolleson, a town 13 miles outside of Phoenix, and discovered Desiree Rivas, 17, dead at the scene.
Rivas attended Cesar Chavez High School in adjacent Laveen Village and was a popular pupil and enthusiastic cheerleader for the school.
“I publish about the awful passing of our incredible friend, athlete, and student Desiree with the deepest of sorrow. The Cesar Chavez High School Spirit Line posted a message on Instagram that read, “Our hearts are shattered into a million pieces.
“May Dessy find peace and be encircled by light and love. Desiree, you are loved.
While they look into what caused the incident, the police stated that a suspect is yet unidentified.
Upon hearing the incident, neighbors recalled rushing to aid Rivas.
“These gunshots were very loud, and I heard them when I was in bed. It appears that they were in my yard. April Stokes informed FOX10 news that they were really loud.
“They sounded so close, and I was afraid to get up because I didn’t know where they were coming from.”
After seeing Rivas, a neighbor told CBS 5 that “she did have friends that did stay behind and assist her, and I was there with her.” “Last night, we had complete trouble sleeping. I had no luck falling asleep. I couldn’t help but think about the mother and everything she was going through,” she admitted.
In a letter given to family earlier this week, school administrators acknowledged Rivas’ passing.
“Dear Families of Cesar Chavez, We share the awful news of Desiree Rivas’ passing with great grief, said principal Robert Grant. Desiree was a well-liked student and a prominent part of our spirit line. All those who knew and loved her will sincerely miss her.
“Desiree died this past weekend after falling victim to a senseless act of violence. She was a kind and considerate member of our school body who liked her peers. We now offer Desiree’s family and friends our love, support, and condolences.
