Tragedy in Newark: Irvington High School Football Player Ziad Cook, 16, Killed in West Ward Shooting
Newark, NJ – June 27, 2025 – A heart wrenching tragedy has struck the city of Newark and the community of Irvington High School after 16-year-old Ziad Cook, a promising student-athlete and beloved teammate, was fatally shot Thursday evening in Newark’s West Ward. The shooting, which also left another teenager critically wounded, has prompted an urgent investigation by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force and an outpouring of grief from the local community.
Shooting in the 200 Block of Brookdale Avenue
The violence unfolded just after 6:00 p.m. on June 26, 2025, in the 200 block of Brookdale Avenue, near 227 Brookdale, a residential area that has seen its share of recent unrest. Newark police officers responding to 911 calls discovered two teenage males suffering from gunshot wounds.
Both victims were rushed to University Hospital in critical condition. Tragically, Ziad Cook was pronounced dead at 9:19 p.m. The second victim, a 17-year-old male, remains hospitalized and continues to fight for his life.
Ziad Cook: A Life Cut Short
Authorities later confirmed that the deceased was Ziad Cook, a 16-year-old student at Irvington High School, where he was also a standout football player. His sudden death has rocked the school community, leaving students, teachers, and teammates devastated.
Ziad was remembered by faculty and peers as a hardworking, respectful, and determined young man who had dreams both in the classroom and on the football field.
“Ziad was the kind of student every teacher and coach hopes for,” one staff member shared. “Focused, driven, and always willing to put in the work—whether it was in practice or during school hours.”
Friends described him as kind-hearted, loyal, and deeply committed to his family, team, and future. He had aspirations of playing college football and becoming the first in his family to graduate from college.
Irvington High School in Mourning
In the aftermath of the tragedy, grief counselors have been made available to students and staff at Irvington High School. Administrators have urged families to be present for their children, as many are struggling to process the violent loss of someone they knew and admired.
A memorial vigil is reportedly being organized by classmates and community leaders to honor Ziad’s memory and call for peace.
“Ziad’s death has shaken our entire school,” a teammate said. “We’re hurting, and we’re angry. He didn’t deserve this.”
Investigation Ongoing – No Arrests Yet
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force is leading the investigation into the deadly shooting. As of Friday morning, no arrests have been announced, and authorities have not disclosed a possible motive or suspect.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the Essex County Crime Stoppers tip line.
Community Calls for Action
Ziad’s death has reignited conversations about youth gun violence, safety in Newark neighborhoods, and the need for intervention and prevention programs. Community members, educators, and advocates are calling for increased support and engagement with at-risk youth before more lives are lost.
“We cannot afford to lose another child,” said a community organizer. “Ziad had a future. He had potential. We owe it to him and others like him to stop this cycle.”
🕯️
Remembering Ziad Cook
At just 16 years old, Ziad Cook was more than a statistic—he was a son, a student, an athlete, a friend, and a dreamer. His life was full of promise and purpose, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
The Irvington and Newark communities stand united in grief—and in the urgent hope for peace.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tips line at: (877) 847-7432 or visit www.ecpo.org.
Rest in Power, Ziad.
Leave a Reply