The victim of the River Shooting Falls remembered his friendliness, support for others

River case. (Wjar) – The municipality of Fall River mourns the loss of Jaleale Simmons, the 20-year-old, who was shot on Saturday afternoon.

Simmons, who had completed the Durfee High School in 2023, had played three seasons for the school's basketball team.

Joe Dacruz, who trained Simmons in Durfee, remembers Simmons as a charismatic child, whom he will remember for his smile and good heart.

“He was an amazing teammate with which people could speak when they deal with things on or outside the square,” said Dacruz to NBC 10.

Simmons first crossed the paths with Dacruz when he went to the boys and girls club at the age of seven. Simmons also played under Dacruz when he grew up Aau -Basketball.

Dacruz said he kept in close contact with Simmons after graduation and even only spoke to him on Thursday. Dacruz said he could imagine that Simmons would take coaching because he had such a strong knowledge of the game.

When he heard the news on Saturday, Dacruz was in the ground.

“It was heartbreaking, it was tragic, it was sad,” said Dacruz. “You just never expect it to hear that, and you just never believe that the last time will actually be the last time.”

Simmon's death was the first murder in the River case in 2025.

A 17-year-old relative was charged with Murder of Simmons. According to the public prosecutor's office in Bristol, he will be in court on Monday.