LeDajrick Cox was celebrating his graduation with friends when his life was cut short. The 18-year-old was only a few hours removed from his Dallas’ Carter High School graduation ceremony on the night he was shot dead. A group of friends including Cox pulled into a 7-Eleven around 1:45 Sunday morning after a night of celebration. A girl who was in their group was then catcalled by one of three men in a white Kia Optima. Fox 4 News reports that the men in Cox’s group jumped to her defense which resulted in an argument.

Cox tried to deescalate the situation, just as his family would expect from the young man who was voted most popular, best looking and best all around.

“Knowing him, he was trying to talk his way out of the situation,” said his father, Reginald Henry.

Cox and his friends got back in their car and drove off, only to be followed by the Kia Optima. Three of the boys in the car were hit with bullets as the suspect’s vehicle pulled up alongside them and opened fire. Cox was hit in the head and side and died in the hospital a few hours later.

“You know, he was my only son. That was it. He has siblings and they look up to him, and they were just so happy for him just to see him happy,” said Cox’s father. “It’s just over. It feels like a part of me is just hurt.”

Those who knew Cox, and many who didn’t, mourned his tragic death a she had a bright future ahead of him. The wide receiver had reportedly committed to playing for Navarro College in Coriscana.

https://twitter.com/FootballNavarro/status/868886919773552641

The other two young men who were shot were treated for their wounds and are in recovery.