SYRACUSE MOURNS: 15-Year-Old Adhon Thomas Tragically Killed in Broad Daylight Shooting Near Upper Onondaga Park Pool

SYRACUSE, NY — A deep sense of sorrow and shock has settled over the city of Syracuse following the tragic and senseless killing of 15-year-old Adhon Thomas, who was fatally shot on Tuesday afternoon just steps from the Upper Onondaga Park Pool in the city’s historic Strathmore neighborhood. What was meant to be a warm summer day filled with laughter and community in a beloved public space turned into a crime scene and a day of mourning.

The incident occurred in broad daylight, casting a heavy pall over the neighborhood and rattling a city already grappling with concerns over youth violence and gun-related crimes. According to authorities, emergency dispatchers received multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire near the pool at around 3:45 p.m. Responding officers arrived swiftly to find a teenage male—later identified as Adhon Thomas—suffering from gunshot wounds on the sidewalk just outside the facility.

Despite life-saving efforts by first responders, Adhon was pronounced dead at the scene.

The area was quickly cordoned off, and police launched an intensive investigation into the shooting, which drew a significant law enforcement presence. Witnesses reported chaos and panic in the moments following the gunfire, as pool-goers and families scattered for safety. The park, which is typically a serene and family-friendly gathering spot, was transformed into a site of heartbreak.

At this time, no arrests have been announced, and police have not released information about possible suspects or motives. Investigators are working to gather surveillance footage, witness statements, and other leads. They are urging anyone with information to come forward and help bring justice to Adhon and his family.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Syracuse Police at (315) 442-5222 or submit an anonymous tip using the SPD Tip Line.

A Life Taken Too Soon

Adhon Thomas, only 15 years old, was described by friends, neighbors, and teachers as a bright and energetic young man with a warm smile and a big heart. He was a student at a local school and was known for his love of basketball, his protective nature toward his younger siblings, and his dreams of a better future.

“He wasn’t a troublemaker,” said one family friend tearfully at a community vigil held near the park. “He was just a kid—our kid—and now he’s gone. It doesn’t make sense.”

Adhon’s death has reignited longstanding concerns among community leaders and residents about the prevalence of youth gun violence in Syracuse. The tragedy has prompted calls for increased investment in youth programs, neighborhood safety initiatives, and community outreach efforts aimed at steering young people away from cycles of violence.

A Community in Mourning

As news of Adhon’s death spread, vigils began forming near the scene. Dozens gathered Tuesday night to light candles, share memories, and console one another. The crowd included classmates, coaches, neighbors, and community leaders, all united in their grief and in their calls for peace.

The Upper Onondaga Park Pool has long been a summertime refuge for city youth—a place of joy and freedom. For many, the shooting so close to this space feels like an attack on a sacred part of the community. Syracuse Parks and Recreation has since temporarily closed the pool out of respect for the family and to support the ongoing investigation.

City officials, including Mayor Ben Walsh, issued public statements condemning the violence and expressing condolences to the Thomas family. “We cannot accept this,” the mayor said. “A young life was stolen from us, and a family is shattered. We must do more to ensure our children can grow up in a city where they feel safe and protected.”

Looking Ahead

As the Syracuse Police Department continues its investigation, community organizers and clergy are planning events to honor Adhon’s memory and bring attention to the broader issue of youth gun violence. Counseling services are being offered through local schools and community centers for any young people or families affected by the tragedy.

Adhon Thomas’s death is a painful reminder of the urgency with which Syracuse must confront the realities of gun violence. It also stands as a call to action—to build a safer future for all of the city’s youth, so no family has to endure such a devastating loss again.

In the coming days, Adhon’s family is expected to release information about funeral arrangements and ways the public can support them during this unimaginably difficult time. In the meantime, the city of Syracuse grieves a child taken far too soon—and begins the long, slow process of healing.