An entire community is in mourning after the unexpected death of 17-year-old Dalton Gay.
His cause of death is currently not known, according to his family members via WSOC-TV.
Gay’s friends say it was a medical emergency, however, he was in good health beforehand.
“His infectious smile really lit up a room and then the first time we hung out was at my house,” said his friend C.J. Goforth. “A couple of students came over and we had corny rap battles.”
Both Goforth and Fisher Furr were good friends with Gay, attending church with the 17-year-old at Charity Baptist in Kannapolis, North Carolina.
“He was highly involved at Charity on the student ministry,” stated Furr, who is a youth pastor. “Also at Sunday morning services, so he had a huge impact on students in every sphere of life.”
A community is mourning after the sudden death of 17-year-old Dalton Gay.
Gay’s family members have not said what the cause of death was.
Friends said it was a medical emergency despite Gay being in good health. https://t.co/Dst92JDnub
— “Sudden And Unexpected” (@toobaffled) August 1, 2023
At South Rowan High School, Gay was a member of JROTC. A memorial for Gay has been spray painted on the school rock. Prior to his death, Gay was a Jesse C. Carson High School rising senior.
“He played multiple sports, football, and baseball,” said Furr. “He was in JROTC.”
Gay’s future was bright, according to his friends. He was planning on attending either Liberty or West Point University. (RELATED: ‘Rising Star’ Cyclist Magnus White Dies At 17 After Being Struck By Car While Training)
“His life was surrendered to Jesus, and I think that if the world had a couple more Dalton’s, what a brighter place it would be,” said Goforth.
“He could make anyone smile,” said Furr. “He never met a stranger. If he could talk to them at the end of a five-minute conversation, he would leave that person thinking he was their new best friend.”