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WEST VALLEY CITY — A 17-year-old boy was shot and killed over the weekend while he was sitting in the back of a car in a parking lot.
As of Monday, police were still looking for the shooter or shooters and had no known motive for the shooting.
Although police have not released the teen's name, friends and family members say Nuer Deng, a student at Judge Memorial Catholic High School and a member of the basketball team, was the victim of the shooting.
"Nuer tragically lost his life as an innocent victim of a shooting incident. Our hearts ache for his loving family as they grieve the loss of this incredible young man. Nuer's smile lit up the hallways at Judge Memorial," the school announced on its Facebook page.
Over 600 people showed up Monday to a prayer service for the student. School officials say Neur's family has a long history with Judge Memorial, and Nuer had been a student at Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary before he came to Judge Memorial.
Derek Jensen, school spokesman, described Nuer as "a remarkable young man. He's just this vibrant spirit. He would light up a room with his smile."
Judge's basketball coach, Sanjin Kolovrat, added on his X account: "Our Judge basketball family is saddened to share the news that one of our amazing young men, Nuer Deng, passed away earlier this morning. As his coach, I saw the values that made him a good basketball player and an even better man. Always smiling, always willing to make & take jokes. I will miss you Nuer & I love you forever."
"May his soul rest in peace. Nuer Deng was a beautiful soul gone too soon, always kind-hearted and full of promise. His presence brightened the lives of those around him, and his absence leaves an irreplaceable void. Though his time with us was short, the impact he made will last forever," Kuol Dem Deng posted on Facebook.
Another man who says Nuer is his nephew posted, "He touched many souls with his kindness and joyful spirit."
About 11:30 p.m. Saturday, a car with three people was parked at the north end of WinCo Foods, 2592 S. 5600 West. Another vehicle pulled up behind them and started firing into the first car, said West Valley police spokeswoman Roxeanne Vainuku.
Nuer, of Kearns, who was sitting in the back seat, was hit.
Vainuku said the boy's friends immediately drove to a nearby neighborhood where they sought help from residents, one of whom called 911. Medical crews took the boy to a hospital where he later died of his injuries, Vainuku said.
Police are asking for anyone with information about the shooting to call 801-840-4000.
A GoFundMe campaign* has been set up by the Deng family to help "so we are able to properly celebrate the amazing life of Nuer Deng."
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
Contributing: Debbie Worthen
