Tragedy at Opelika’s Alumni Day: 16-Year-Old Jamiyah Grant Fatally Shot During Community Celebration

OPELIKA, AL — What began as a joyful evening of unity and celebration quickly devolved into unimaginable sorrow on Saturday night, June 7, 2025, as a community event in George C. Bandy Park was tragically marred by gun violence. Authorities have confirmed that 16-year-old Jamiyah Grant was fatally shot during the annual Alumni Day celebration, an event that traditionally draws hundreds of attendees from across Opelika and surrounding areas.

According to the Opelika Police Department, officers responded to reports of gunfire around 8:45 p.m. near the center of the park, where festivities were still underway. Witnesses described the moment as sheer chaos—families and children scrambling for cover, music abruptly cutting off, and people frantically dialing 911.

When officers arrived, they discovered Grant suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Emergency responders rendered aid on the scene before transporting her to East Alabama Medical Center. Tragically, despite all efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Jamiyah Grant, a bright and ambitious young woman, was a student at Opelika High School, where she was known for her academic drive and warm, compassionate nature. Friends and teachers have spoken out about the heartbreaking loss of someone who had so much potential and was deeply loved by those who knew her.

“She was a light,” said one of Jamiyah’s former teachers, holding back tears. “She had dreams of becoming a pediatric nurse. She wanted to help children. That’s the kind of heart she had.”

As of Sunday morning, the Opelika Police Department had not announced any arrests, but investigators confirmed they are following several leads and are reviewing surveillance footage from the park. They are urging anyone who witnessed the shooting or has information to come forward.

“We are devastated by this senseless act of violence,” said Chief Shane Healey. “We are fully committed to finding those responsible and bringing them to justice. We also extend our deepest condolences to the Grant family during this incredibly difficult time.”

The annual Alumni Day celebration is a long-standing tradition in Opelika, originally intended to bring together graduates of local schools and their families for an evening of fun, unity, and community pride. The event typically includes live entertainment, food vendors, and children’s activities. This year’s gathering was one of the largest in recent memory—drawing families from all across Lee County.

In the wake of the shooting, city leaders and residents are expressing both sorrow and anger that an event rooted in community connection was disrupted by violence.

Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller released a statement on Sunday, calling the incident a “tragedy that has shaken us to our core.”

“Our hearts break for the Grant family and for every person who was affected by last night’s events,” said Mayor Fuller. “We will work closely with law enforcement to ensure that those responsible are held accountable, and we will also review security protocols for all city-sanctioned public events moving forward.”

A candlelight vigil is being planned for Jamiyah at George C. Bandy Park later this week, with members of the community expected to gather in solidarity and remembrance. Organizers say it will be a time not only to mourn, but also to demand an end to the gun violence that continues to claim the lives of youth across Alabama and the nation.

Jamiyah Grant’s family, reeling from the unimaginable loss, is asking for privacy as they grieve. A family member posted on social media, “Jamiyah was our angel on earth. We never imagined we’d be planning her funeral instead of her future. Please pray for us.”

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the Opelika Police Department’s tip line at (334) 705-5220 or submit an anonymous tip via the department’s official website.

As Opelika mourns the loss of one of its own, the memory of Jamiyah Grant will remain etched in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those who hoped to see her shine.