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'One of my favorite players and friends': Paris community mourns death of Jekobi Wells

Posted at 12:38 PM, Dec 22, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-22 18:27:47-05

PARIS, Ky. (LEX 18) — Paris Independent Head Football Coach Brian Washington is still in disbelief over the Monday shooting death of 21-year-old Jekobi Wells.

"He had that charismatic spirit man, he's the kid that you meet that you don't forget," Washington said.

Paris police said neighbors found Wells lying on Williams Street bleeding after stumbling there from around the corner. They say witnesses said Wells got out of a car with two young men in it. It's not clear where or how he was shot.

Neighbors administered CPR until medics arrived. Police said the two men who were with Wells in the vehicle did not stick around at the scene.

As investigators try to piece together what happened, those who knew the 21-year-old remember a young man who always left a strong impression on people.

"Senior year for me he turned into a great leader for our team, we were struggling in the season and he actually took command of our team then he led his team in the All "A" classic in basketball," said Washington. "This young man was good at bringing people together, you'll find a phenomenal flock of people that are gonna come and draw because of Jekobi Wells."

Former head basketball coach Terence Brooks said he will remember Wells as one of his favorite players and friends.

"As a coach, to build a championship team you must start with a foundation. The foundation has to be something or someone that can carry the load on their shoulders. Well, last night we lost the young man that was able to do that for our championship team," Brooks said of Wells, who was awarded most valuable player during Paris' championship run in the All "A" State Tournament in 2017.

This is a developing story and will be updated.