Hunter Reed, a 17‑year‑old junior and beloved basketball player at McIntosh High School, was shot and killed late Monday night following a gathering at a private home in Washington County, Alabama. The small school community is reeling from the sudden loss of one of its brightest young people, and questions are now swirling about what exactly happened that night.
Reed, known around McIntosh for his infectious smile and dedication to his team, had just come off the basketball court with friends before the tragic incident. Officials have said the shooting occurred at a house party, though many details remain unclear and law enforcement has not yet released a full account of what led up to the deadly confrontation.
Classmates described Hunter as both a standout athlete and a good student who never brought trouble to his family or school. To them, he was the sort of young man whose laughter could light up a room and whose hard work on the court showed a promising future. “He never got in any trouble,” one friend told local reporters as the community struggled to make sense of the loss.
The leadership at McIntosh High School moved swiftly in response to the tragedy. Principal Jamelle Sauls and the Washington County School System announced the cancellation of Tuesday night’s game against Fruitdale High School out of respect for Hunter, his teammates, and his grieving classmates. In a message shared on social media, the district called Reed “a valued member of our school community” and said he will be “deeply missed by all who knew him.”
Parents, teachers, and students gathered at the school Tuesday morning, speaking in hushed tones as they offered one another support. Some teammates clutched basketballs and jerseys bearing Reed’s number, unwilling to let go of the memories they’d built together through practices, games, and long drives to away matches.
Reed’s family has asked for privacy as they navigate the surreal and heartbreaking aftermath. In a small community like McIntosh—where the school’s enrollment hovers around just under 200 students and athletics are a big part of town life—such a loss ripples far beyond the campus.
Meanwhile, local law enforcement continues its investigation into the shooting. Neighbors and classmates are hoping answers will come soon so that questions about how such a promising young life was cut short can be answered with clarity. For now, the town mourns Hunter and holds onto the joy he brought to those around him.
