Man shot, killed was E.E. Smith graduate, known as go-getter, his Fayetteville family says

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- A man was killed in a shooting Sunday at a recreation center in Fayetteville, police said.

Police officers responded about 5 p.m. to College Lake Recreational Center in the 4900 block of Rosehill Road for a shooting call.

They found a man, identified as 22-year-old Jalyn Thornton of Fayetteville, with gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

On Monday, flowers in honor of Thornton were laid outside the College Lakes Recreation Center. A sign on the door read that the building was closed for the day and Spring Break Camp had been moved to Pine Forest Recreation Center.

According to Fayetteville Parks and Recreation staff, Sunday is considered open gym, with people often coming to play basketball.

Thornton's loved ones told ABC11 that he was an E.E. Smith High School class of 2020 graduate. He was the second oldest of his mother's children and made family a priority when she died from cancer a few years ago. They described him as someone who was energetic, creative, and a go-getter.

The incident remains under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Pleze at (910) 676-2596. Anyone with information who would like to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at (910) 483-8477. Crimestoppers information can also be submitted electronically.

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