Who was Elijah DeWitt? Parents donate slain Georgia footballer's organs, says 'he'd be proud'
GWINNETT COUNTY, GEORGIA: Elijah DeWitt was allegedly shot to death by two teenagers in a mall parking lot on Wednesday, October 5. The death of Jefferson's senior wide receiver is being mourned by The Jefferson and Northeast Georgia communities. On Sunday, October 9, close to a hundred people gathered to remember DeWitt at a candlelight vigil. Now, DeWitt's parents have revealed that he donated his organs and continues to help people even after his death.
Dawn DeWitt remembered his son and said, "We feel a very, very, very big, lonely void. We loved our son beyond measures, and our hearts are broken. I'm having this moment of, wait I need to check on what time he’s coming home, and realizing I will not make that text again. I just want people to remember him as Elijah DeWitt, who was a motivated, talented, sweet, kind soul." She remembered Elijah's big stature and continued, "He is a gentle giant," as reported by 11Alive. The close-knit community prayed and remembered the star player during the vigil. Dawn continued, "We are together doing this in honor of him and in celebration of him because I feel I can hold him close to my heart and he would be proud as I was of him." Dawn explained that he donated organs that will help multiple people.
READ MORE
Who was Elijah DeWitt?
The 18-year-old was a star wide receiver at Jefferson High School and had plans of playing college ball but his life was cut short. Police have arrested and charged two teens with killing him, Kemare Bryan, 18, and Chandler Richardson, 19. DeWitt's friends and family will gather for his funeral on Wednesday at the Jefferson High School auditorium. DeWitt was with his girlfriend Bailey Reidling when the crime took place at the parking lot of Dave & Buster's outside of the Sugarloaf Mills Mall in Lawrenceville. Reidling's screams were heard in the background of a 911 emergency made by a person.
People are starting to make their way to a vigil to remember Elijah DeWitt, the star wide receiver at Jefferson High School who was shot and killed on Wednesday at just 18 years old. He hoped to play college football and was supposed to go to UGA this weekend.@11AliveNews pic.twitter.com/UJPzeagmLR
— Dawn White (@DawnWhiteNews) October 9, 2022
DeWitt's mother told 11Alive about his dreams and future plans. Dawn said, "He loved football, he was ready and willing to do whatever it takes to go D1, that was his ultimate goal," Dawn said. He was very tender and he loved people," Dawn said, "Elijah was the kindest soul. He was so full of life and love and he was courageous," she said. "It really was a privilege to be a part of the journey and I really wish I could just have it back." Reidling also told the outlet, "He cared more than anyone I’ve ever met. That’s why I loved him so much because he reminds me of my daddy."