Authorities have identified the teenager discovered late Monday night in Grenada as 16-year-old Ayden Reno, a junior at Grenada High School.
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According to Police Chief George Douglas, officers located Reno’s body in an overgrown area near Honeytown Park on Leigh Avenue around 11:41 p.m. Monday. Grenada County Coroner Douglas “Little Bobby” Yates pronounced him dead at 12:25 a.m. Tuesday, and his body has been sent to the Mississippi State Crime Lab for an autopsy.
Chief Douglas noted that a report of gunfire in the area had been received earlier that evening, though investigators have not confirmed the cause. The case is currently under active investigation, and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Grenada Police at (662) 226-1211 or (662) 227-TIPS.
Reno, who wore jersey No. 27, played as a defensive back for the Grenada High School Chargers football team and was also a member of the Visions show choir. His loss has deeply impacted the school community.
“The Grenada School District is heartbroken to share the loss of one of our beloved students,” the district said in a statement, noting that counselors have been made available to students and staff.
Kirk Academy, a local private school, also extended condolences, stating: “Our hearts go out to the GHS family as they mourn the loss of a student. We are lifting the entire school, their classmates, teachers, friends and loved ones in our prayers during this difficult time.”
Deputies with the Grenada County Sheriff’s Office and MedStat Emergency Medical Services also responded to the scene. The investigation is ongoing.