NEW ORLEANS, LA — The Hollygrove community is grieving the devastating loss of 17-year-old Eric Simmons III, a beloved student from Carver High School, who was fatally shot on Wednesday afternoon as he walked home from school. The shooting, which occurred in broad daylight, has left residents, family, and friends in shock.
What Happened: A Senseless Tragedy on Stroelitz Street
The fatal incident unfolded around 4:30 p.m. on November 12, 2025, in the 8200 block of Stroelitz Street, close to the Cypress Trace Apartments. According to the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), Eric Simmons III had just gotten off his school bus and was walking home, still wearing his Carver High School uniform, when multiple assailants approached him. The suspects opened fire, striking Eric, who tragically passed away at the scene.
The neighborhood, usually a quiet part of Hollygrove, was suddenly thrust into chaos, as police vehicles and crime scene technicians flooded the area. Witnesses, stunned by the violence, described the scene as surreal. One nearby resident noted that they initially thought the sounds of gunshots were fireworks, unaware of the tragedy unfolding so close to their homes.
Who Was Eric Simmons III?
Eric Simmons III was a 17-year-old high school student known for his bright personality, determination, and passion for learning. Described by those close to him as a kind and promising young man, Eric had a bright future ahead of him. His life was tragically cut short, and the community now mourns the loss of someone who was just beginning to carve out his future.
As a student at Carver High School, Eric was known not just for his academic pursuits but for his warm and friendly nature. Teachers, classmates, and neighbors remember him as a hard-working student with a kind heart—someone who made an impression on everyone he encountered. His unexpected death has left a void in his family, school, and community.
Community Reactions: Grief and Anger in Hollygrove
The shooting of Eric Simmons III has sent shockwaves through the Hollygrove neighborhood, a community already grappling with the impact of violence. Residents voiced their sadness, anger, and frustration, particularly over the violence that continues to plague the lives of young people in the area.
One local resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed their grief: “I stepped outside and saw numerous police vehicles and assumed something had happened—without realizing this young boy had been murdered.” Another neighbor recalled hearing the gunshots and mistaking them for fireworks, only to later realize the reality of the situation.
NOPD representative Reese Harper commented on the tragedy, stating, “No child should have to lose their life in such a manner. Children ought to feel safe going to and returning from school without fear. This incident has profoundly impacted the community.”
Investigation: Authorities Seek Answers
The NOPD is currently investigating the shooting and working to uncover the motive behind the attack. They are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward. “We are encouraging anyone with knowledge of the suspects or the motive behind this tragedy to contact us or Crime Stoppers of Greater New Orleans,” said a spokesperson from the department.
Detectives are working with witnesses, reviewing security footage, and gathering any relevant evidence to help bring the perpetrators to justice. The department’s Crime Stoppers hotline can be reached at (504) 822-1111 for anonymous tips.
What Happens Next: Community Support and Ongoing Grief
As the investigation continues, the family of Eric Simmons III is left grappling with an unimaginable loss. While official results from the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office are pending, they are expected to confirm the cause of death after performing an autopsy.
In the meantime, the community has rallied around Eric’s family, offering condolences and support as they cope with the tragic loss. Local leaders, neighbors, and friends have expressed their shock and sorrow, sharing memories of the bright young man taken too soon.
The passing of Eric Simmons III is a stark reminder of the toll that violence continues to take on communities, particularly young lives full of potential. This tragedy has left a deep impact on the Hollygrove neighborhood, prompting calls for greater efforts to reduce violence and protect children in the community.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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