A Louisiana community is in mourning after a high school volleyball player was shot and killed at a house party this week.
The Lake Charles Police Department (LCPD) confirmed to NBC affiliate KPLC that a shooting occurred in the early morning hours of Tuesday, May 20, near Central Parkway and Overhill Drive.
According to KPLC, authorities identified the victim as a “young lady,” and Lake Charles College Prep, a local charter school, later identified her as McKenzie Rideau, 16 years old, in a social media post.
Neighbors told the outlet that they thought the shooting happened at a high school graduation party in a short-term rental. They reported hearing between 30 and 50 gunshots around midnight.
The LCPD did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for more information on Saturday, May 24.
Lake Charles College Prep Principal Freddie L. Harrison lll wrote on social media, “It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the passing of one of our own, McKenzie Rideau, a beloved student whose presence touched every corner of our campus.”
“McKenzie was more than a student; she was a light. McKenzie, a proud member of the volleyball team and our vibrant flag line, brought energy, determination, and joy to every practice, performance, and moment in between,” he said.
“Her radiant smile and kind heart helped others feel seen, welcomed, and accepted. She had a rare gift for making people feel like they belonged; she was always encouraging, uplifting, and trying to help everyone fit in,” said Rideau’s educator.
Harrison also thanked Rideau for her “compassion, leadership, and friendship,” and urged the community to “continue lifting McKenzie’s family, friends, and teammates.”
“Let us honor her memory by continuing to lead with kindness, love, and unity just as she did every day,” said the school’s principal.
Following the shooting, a neighbor, who recorded the sound of apparent gunshots on a security camera, described hearing “what sounded like fireworks underneath my carport” before hearing people “taking off in their cars” and screaming.
Police confirmed to KPLC that the shooting occurred during a large gathering of people aged 16 to 22 at the home.
“I can tell you the detectives with the Lake Charles Police Department are working on identifying people who were there, identifying suspects, and they’re working very hard,” the chief, Shawn Caldwell, told the newspaper.
“We have some people of interest, an actual suspect, I don’t want to say suspect yet, but we have identified some people, and we still have a lot of work left to do,” he said.
The anonymous neighbor told KPLC that the shooting “puts me a little more on edge,” adding that “no neighborhood is safe in this area” and that people are “dying from useless actions.”
On May 23, Rideau’s friends, family, and classmates came together to release balloons in her honor, and a GoFundMe campaign has since been launched to help her family. (The campaign has raised approximately $6,000 of its $10,000 goal.)
“Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we mourn McKenzie’s passing. If you knew her, you’d know how loving and outspoken she was. The fundraiser’s description reads, “A smart and beautiful individual with big plans for the future,” adding that the teen was “loved by so many.”
“She’s gained her wings, where she’ll reunite with her little brother Prince,” the description continues. “We appreciate everyone’s love and support, which does not go unnoticed. Anything is appreciated. Justice for McKenzie. Services have not yet been announced. We will set a date once we hear back from the detectives. “Thank you!!”