By Clyde Hughes | AC JosepH Media

PHILADELPHIA/PLEASANTVILLE – Camden High School and Pleasantville High School football teams came together in Lincoln Financial Field to complete their playoff football game Wednesday just hours after 10-year-old Micah Tennant died from a shooting at their football game in Pleasantville last Friday.

Tennant was one of three people wounded in the shooting in the third quarter of the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 2 semifinals playoff game that shocked a nation. The youth was a fifth grader in Atlantic City who was shot in the neck during the senseless incident.

A GoFundMe page for the boy has already raised more than $26,000 as people shared their condolences as well.

“No family should lose a child to senseless violence,” donor Jennifer Best said on the page. “My condolences on your loss. Micah’s beautiful smile will always brighten this world, even if it was for just ten short years.”

“Sweet precious angel…my heart hurts for him and family,” added Chann Quezada, another donor. “I’m so sorry…No one should have to feel this pain and an innocent childs life robbed. My God in heaven he is with now.”

“There’s nothing that symbolizes loss or grief more than a mother losing a child,” Crystal and Sterling Duncan said. “My heartfelt condolences to the family. Love and continued Prayers from the Duncan Family.”

Football players from Pleasantville and Camden high schools link arms at the completion of their playoff game at the Philadelphia Eagles’ Lincoln Financial Field. Photo courtesy of Camden Public Schools

Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner announced Wednesday that Alvin Wyatt, 31, suspected of pulling the trigger in the deadly shooting, has his charges upgraded now to murder.

“On behalf of the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, we would like to express our sincere condolences to the Tennant family on the tragic passing of Micah,” Tyner said. “Words at this time seem so insufficient to portray the anger and outrage that our community feels regarding his loss. 

“However, his spirit will live on in so many people that he inspired. I have directed the charges against Alvin Wyatt be immediately upgraded to murder. The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office will seek to prosecute this matter to the fullest extent of the law,” he continued.

Four other males charges with unlawful possession of a weapon and certain persons not to possess a weapon include Michael Mack, 27; Tyrell Dorn, 28; Shahid Dixon, 27, all of Atlantic City, and Vance Golden, 26, of Pleasantville. Dixon is also charged with eluding.

Pleasantville Police added on its Facebook page: I want to express our deepest sympathy and strongest possible support to the Tennant family on behalf of the men and women of the Pleasantville Police Department. The love and strength of Micah’s family has been an inspiration to me, to our department, and to our entire community.

“No words can heal the suffering when a family loses a child – we can only do our best to ensure they know our prayers and sympathy are with them. In the coming days we will continue to offer support to the Tennant family as we grieve together for Dew. The world is darker today having lost the light of his smile. The events of the last few days have touched so many, and now is the time for our community spirit to shine a healing light on the Tennant family and all who have been affected by this tragedy,” the police statement continued.

The heartbreaking news of Micah’s death came just before Wednesday’s game. The football game continued in Philadelphia courtesy of the Philadelphia Eagles who offered its home field for Camden and Pleasantville. Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz and head coach Doug Pederson met with players of both teams.

“It’s extremely unfortunate that a senselessly violent act has impacted this game, and there will certainly be a wide range of emotions along both sidelines,” NJSIAA executive director Larry White said in a statement.

“However, thanks to the Eagles’ generosity and community spirit, Pleasantville and Camden student-athletes and their families will have an opportunity to write their own ending to this game. They’ll compete on a world-class stage, sending a clear message that violence will not win,” White continued.

Camden Schools sent its own message on Twitter.

“CCSD is very proud of both teams who poured their hearts out to honor Micah. Our deepest condolence goes out to the Pleasantville community and the family of Micah,” Camden Schools said.

Photo courtesy of Do Over For Dew (Micah) GoFundMe.com Page.

Find GoFundMe Page Here

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