Courtesy of the ClaiborneParishJournal.com
Homer High School senior and standout football star Ja’Kerion Calome has passed away.
Calome was found in a home in the 200 block of West Third Street in Homer on Thursday night, June 23, with a gunshot wound to the head.
He was taken by private vehicle to Homer Hospital, but was later airlifted to Ochsner LSU Health hospital in Shreveport where he succumbed to his injuries early Friday morning.
According to Homer Police Chief Van McDaniel, Calome’s body has been sent to Little Rock, Arkansas for an autopsy to determine whether the gunshot wound was a result of suicide or homicide.
“We know he had a gunshot wound, but we don’t know at this time if it was a suicide or a homicide. Until then, this matter is still under investigation,” McDaniel said.
Calome was a member of the state championship Homer High School Pelicans football team.
Homer High School made a statement on their Facebook page Saturday morning, June 24.
“Our hearts are heavy after suffering the loss of one of our students, Ja’Kerion Calome. We recognize that losing a classmate, friend, and teammate is a hard situation for a young adult to process.”
The school is offering professional counseling services for students beginning Monday, June 26 at 8 a.m.
The school is currently conducting EOC re-testing, but will proceed with caution taking each individual student into consideration during this time. Rescheduling testing is an option for students that may need it.
A GoFundMe Page has been set up to assist with funeral and burial expenses.
