Akron North High School Quarterback Killed in Shooting Days Before Senior Season

J’Air Bell was preparing to enter his senior football season at Akron North High School with a renewed commitment to leadership and helping his teammates.

The 19-year-old Bell attended football practice Saturday, Aug. 8, where head coach DeMonte Powell said the incoming senior arrived ready to embrace a leadership role. Bell had made it a personal goal to become a better teammate during his third season of football and help guide the younger players on the team.

Less than 24 hours later, Bell’s life was tragically cut short by gun violence.

Bell was killed Sunday, Aug. 9, during a shooting in Akron. According to the Akron Police Department, officers and emergency medical personnel responded to a shooting near Manchester Road and Lakemont Avenue at approximately 2 p.m.

Police said Bell was riding in the front passenger seat of a vehicle in the 700 block of Marie Avenue when two suspects opened fire. Bell was struck by gunfire and suffered a gunshot wound to the head.

First responders found Bell inside the vehicle when they arrived. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:17 p.m., according to the Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Investigators said witnesses reported seeing two males wearing dark clothing in connection with the shooting.

The driver of the vehicle, a 17-year-old male, was not injured. Police said he was able to leave the area before officers located the vehicle.

For the North High football program, Bell’s death comes just as a new season was beginning and after he had shown a desire to step into a larger role within the team.

Instead of spending his senior season on the football field, Bell’s teammates, coaches, friends and family are now left mourning a young man whose life and potential were taken far too soon.

The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.