A beloved student of Irwington High School, a dear student of the city of Newark and Irwington, is in deep mourning after the tragic and untimely death of 16-year-old Ziyad Cook. The disastrous shooting took place in the West Ward of Newark on Thursday evening, leaving the community in shock and mistrust. Ziyad’s death has made a zero in the hearts of his family, friends, classmates and large Newark community, now struggling with the loss of a young life filled with capacity and promise.
Ziyid, a standout student-athlete, was well known for his leadership, work ethics and energy that he brought for everything he did. On the football field, he was a dynamic force, known for his determination, strength and tenacity. Outside the field, Ziyad’s infectious smile and kind heart made him dear to everyone who knew him. He had aspirations to earn college scholarship and make positive impact on his community. Sadly, these dreams were suddenly cut off.
The shooting took place on Thursday, June 25, 2025 near the intersection of South Orange Avenue and South Orange Avenue in Newark and South 19th Street. This was normally quiet, residential neighborhood suddenly stressed in chaos when the bullets were out of the bullets. Eyewitnesses informed people to listen to the tip of several guns before fleeing the area in panic. First the respondent reached the spot and found Ziyad Cook with another teenager, lying unanswered on the pavement. Both youths had made several gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of emergency respondents, Ziyad was declared tragically dead shortly after reaching the university hospital.
The second victim, whose identity has not been released, was taken in emergency surgery and remains in critical condition. Their situation is still closely monitored, and updates about their recovery are awaited.
The office of the Essex County Prosecutor immediately started a full -scale investigation into the shooting. Law enforcement agencies are working diligently to highlight details around the offense. Till Friday morning, no arrests have been made, but officials are looking for several leads and urging anyone to come forward for information. The investigation is on, and the Newarark Police Department has vowed to highlight the truth behind this insensitive work of violence.
The sudden and tragic death of Ziyad has destroyed his family, friends and the Irwington High School community. A dedicated athlete, hard -working student and careful friends described by teachers, coaches and classmates, Ziyad was actually a bright star. Darnell Jones, the football coach of Irwington High School, expressed deep grief, saying, “He was a child who always gave 110 percent. On the field, he was fearless. Outside the field, he was humble, respectable, and always ready to lend one hand to his peers and classmates. We have lost more than an athlete.
Ziyid was also described as a fixed youth with large dreams and had an unbreakable commitment to his goals. He had a reputation to pursue himself academic and athletic to excel both academic and athletically, and their dedication to his team and classmates separated them. His ambition and passion for the games matched his love only for his family and friends, all of whom looked deeply.
In the days after Ziyad’s death, the Irwington community has ralled together in support of their family and friends. A candle light is planned for Saturday evening, where students, teachers and community members will gather to honor the memory of Ziyid and share stories of their influence. The Students’ Council of Irwington High School has also organized a memorial program at the school, which will include tribute, music and lights in the memory of Ziyad.
The classmates have shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, who are posting photos, memories and support messages for Ziyad’s family. A close friend, Amira Lewis, while talking through tears said, “Ziyid was the kind of person who felt important to all the people around him. He was always encouraging others and believed that we all can do it out and do something great. I still cannot believe that he has gone.”
The passing of Ziyad has attracted the attention of local city officials and workers who expressed their displeasure over the violence that continues to plague the community. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka issued a statement on Friday morning, which calls to end the cycle of violence that claims the lives of a lot of young people. “Any parents should not bury their child. No community should lose another young life for insensitive violence,” said Mayor Barak. “We should respect Ziad’s life by coming together as a community to end the cycle of violence that continues to rob our youth.”
In the light of this disastrous event, many community leaders have begun making calls for strong young outreach programs and increased support for risky young people. The need for the safety and positive options of Newark’s youth is increasing that the youth can prevent youth from falling into the cycle of violence and crime. Ziyad’s death has brought these issues into a sharp focus and has renewed urgency in addressing youth violence in the city.
Ziyad’s family has asked for secrecy as they mourn their loss. A Gofundme page has been established to cover funeral expenses and provide assistance to Ziyad’s family during this difficult time. Apart from his grief, the family is also demanding answers and justice for Ziyad’s death. A family spokesperson said that he was feeling pain, “Ziyad was taken away from us very soon. We want the answer. We want to know who did this to our child, and we want justice for Ziyad.”
As the inqu The community continues to mourn, but they are also firm in their commitment to ensure that such violence does not continue the lives of their young people.
Ziyad’s life can be tragically short, but his legacy will never be forgotten as a bright, kind young man. He will not only be remembered for his talent on football field and his educational achievements, but for the love shared by them all. His life will be celebrated, and his memory would continue to inspire people who knew him.
Along with information about the shooting, anyone is requested to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homeoid/Major Crime Task Force to contact 1-877-Tips-4EC or Newarark Police Department. Tips can also be presented anonymously through crime stoppers.
In the coming days, as the community continues to mourn, the soul of Ziyad will remain in their hearts. He was a young man with immense capacity, and although his life had become short, the love he gave will continue to echo for a long time after his death. Ziyad’s memory will be in the hearts of his family, friends, teammates and the community who loved him very much.