Obituary: Remembering Kory Nathaniel Fredericks, 17, of Duncan, South Carolina — A Life Tragically Cut Short

The Spartanburg County community is reeling from the devastating loss of Kory Nathaniel Fredericks, a vibrant 17-year-old from Duncan, South Carolina, whose life was tragically taken far too soon in a senseless act of violence. Kory was fatally shot in the early morning hours of Sunday, June 22, 2025, an incident that has left his family, friends, and the wider community in a state of profound grief.

According to the Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office, Kory was pronounced dead at 2:47 a.m. at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, where he was taken following a shooting outside the Academy Sports + Outdoors store located on Peachwood Centre Drive. Details surrounding the events leading up to the shooting remain under investigation, but what is certain is that a beloved son, brother, student, and friend has been taken from this world far too soon.

Born on April 8, 2008, Kory Nathaniel Fredericks was a young man full of life, potential, and promise. A student at Byrnes High School, Kory was known for his magnetic personality, his quick wit, and his compassionate heart. Whether on the football field, in the classroom, or among his circle of friends, Kory carried himself with confidence and kindness. He had dreams of pursuing a career in sports medicine and was determined to build a future that honored both his talents and the values instilled in him by his loving family.

Kory had a love for athletics, music, and gaming. He was the kind of young man who could light up a room with his smile and inspire others with his positive attitude. He was also a source of strength and comfort to his peers, often offering encouragement or a listening ear to anyone who needed it. Teachers and coaches describe him as respectful, driven, and a natural leader whose potential was limitless.

Beyond school and extracurricular activities, Kory was a deeply family-oriented person. He loved spending time with his siblings, helping his mother in the kitchen, and talking late into the night with his cousins about their goals and dreams. He was especially close to his grandmother, whose unwavering faith and warmth had a profound impact on his upbringing.

Kory’s sudden death has cast a long shadow across Spartanburg County. Vigils, social media tributes, and community gatherings have sprung up in the wake of the tragedy as those who loved and admired him struggle to come to terms with the loss. Local clergy and community leaders have called for peace and unity in the wake of violence, while also urging for justice and accountability.

“Kory was more than just a teenager caught in the wrong place at the wrong time,” said one family friend. “He was a bright light with a future ahead of him. His life mattered deeply, and his absence is already being felt in every corner of this community.”

The Fredericks family has asked for privacy as they navigate this unimaginable grief but have also expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support. Plans for a memorial service and funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days, as the family prepares to celebrate Kory’s life and legacy.

Kory is survived by his mother, Latasha Fredericks; his father, Nathaniel “Nate” Fredericks; two younger sisters, Kayla and Kiara; his grandparents; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and countless friends who considered him family. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and inspiration—one that his community vows to carry forward in his honor.

As Spartanburg mourns this devastating loss, there is a renewed call to protect its youth and address the root causes of violence. Kory Nathaniel Fredericks should be remembered not by the tragedy of his passing, but by the beauty and strength of the life he lived. May his memory be a blessing, and may his story spark change, healing, and hope.