NEW ALBANY, IN – An 18-year-old high school football player is remembered as a hero for his selfless actions during a recent shooting at the Harvest Homecoming Festival in Indiana. Bryce Gerlach, a senior at Corydon Central High School, was fatally shot while shielding others amidst the chaos on Saturday night.
The shooting occurred when multiple groups got into an altercation near State Street and Black Avenue, an area bustling with festival-goers. Gerlach was one of three innocent bystanders hit by the gunfire, which erupted just before 10 p.m., less than a block from the Ohio River.
Authorities suspect multiple shooters were involved, firing from different directions, likely having no connection to those injured in the incident. New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey described the suspects as Black males in their teens and early 20s. Despite these details, no arrests have been made, and the suspects remain at large.
In a statement denouncing the violence, New Albany Mayor Jeff Gahan highlighted the tragic impact of gun violence at what was supposed to be a safe community event. The mayor expressed sorrow over the incident, noting that such violence is increasingly prevalent across the country.
Alongside Gerlach, 22-year-old Brendan Hagan and a 42-year-old woman were also struck. Hagan was wounded in the leg while attempting to leave the area. He described hearing gunshots and being hit almost immediately, with his shirt later used as a makeshift tourniquet to stem the bleeding.
Brendan Hagan remains hospitalized in serious condition. The woman, who suffered injuries to her lower extremities, has since been treated and discharged.
The tragedy prompted the cancellation of Sunday’s festival events. Gerlach, who was set to play his final home football game as a senior, had been exploring college opportunities with his father. His untimely death has left a mark on the community, with South Harrison Community School Corporation Superintendent Mark Eastridge acknowledging the struggle faced by those within the school district.