KNOXVILLE, Tenn — Family members confirmed to 10News that the 16-year-old who was shot and killed while leaving Austin-East High School on Friday was Stanley Freeman Jr.
Stanley’s family said he was a conscientious student who had dreams of playing collegiate sports one day.
His coach of more than seven years recalled the young man.
Photos of Stanley
“He was a genuine, loving, respectful kid with a big heart that loved everyone, the same if not more than we loved him,” said Nathan Guy.
Guy said Stanley was not only a player on his team but a young man he considered one of his own.
“He was a big part of so many lives. He was not only a player of mine but a son to me and my wife," Guy said. "We loved him like he was our son."
The family held a memorial for Stanley Sunday night. His grandmother said he was a special young man.
“My grandson was very special intelligent, well going, respectful to everyone, an outstanding basketball player also he was a hardworking young man,” said Darlene Ngom.
She said he only at the beginning of his life. His siblings idolized him.
“[He] was just starting to begin his life and was an outstanding role model to his other siblings,” said his grandmother.
Ngom said he made good grades in school and served as "an outstanding role model for everyone.”
A GoFundMe has been set up in Stanley's name.
