MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI. (THECOUNT) — Rylen Yager, a 14-year-old student at Fruitport Middle School, has been identified as the teenager who was killed over the weekend in a shooting in Muskegon County, Michigan.
Fruitport Community Schools confirmed Yager’s identity on Monday. The eighth-grade student was enrolled at Fruitport Middle School, district officials said.
Fruitport Township police said officers responded to a reported shooting at approximately 7:20 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, in the 2900 block of Romedius Street, south of East Broadway Avenue.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found Yager deceased. He was pronounced dead at the location, according to police.
Michigan State Police have taken over the investigation due to a reported connection between the victim’s family and Fruitport Township law enforcement. Authorities did not provide additional details regarding the nature of that connection.
As of Monday, police said the shooting remains under investigation. No suspect information or details regarding the circumstances of the shooting have been released.
Fruitport Community Schools Superintendent Jason Kennedy addressed Yager’s death in a letter posted to Facebook.
“Rylen’s presence brought light and joy to many,” Kennedy wrote. “Known for a huge smile and a wonderful sense of humor, Rylen had a way of making others feel welcome and valued.”
Kennedy described Yager as kind, compassionate, artistic, creative, and athletic, noting that he carried a positive energy and a genuine love for life.
“Rylen left a lasting impression on our school community, and he will be remembered fondly and missed dearly,” Kennedy said.
The district’s Emotional Support Team met Sunday night to prepare for students returning to classes. Counselors and social workers will be available for students and staff who are struggling with the loss.
School officials said students would be informed of the student’s death.
“On behalf of Fruitport Community Schools, I extend my condolences to Rylen’s family, staff who cared deeply for him, his friends, and loved ones,” Kennedy wrote.
State police confirmed the case remains active.
“This remains an active investigation,” authorities said.
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