7-year-old was shot in the head while playing video games on his couch

Family, friends and community are grieving the loss of a 7-year-old boy who was shot in the head while playing video games on his couch inside his Fayetteville home.

Zion Gibbs, a student at Benjamin Martin Elementary School, died from his injuries at UNC Chapel Hill Hospital after a drive-by shooting.

According to his aunt Treka Beasley, who shared a GoFundMe to help raise money for expenses associated with his sudden and tragic death, Zion was doing what he loved in the moment of his death.

“As Zion loves to do, he was in the living room on the couch playing his video game, enjoying the start of his summer break,” she writes.

During a drive-by shooting, multiple rounds were released, and some entered the home.

“One of the rounds that entered the house struck Zion directly under his left eye penetrating through to the back of his brain,” she writes.

After days of being on life support in critical condition, he was deemed brain dead.

“As difficult as it was for my sister to let go and release him back to God, she knew that although he was no longer here in the flesh, he will always be with her in spirit as her guardian angel watching over her just as he always did,” writes Beasley.

She describes Zion as truly embodying the meaning of his name.

“Just like the Biblical reference to Zion as a place of peace, strength, and spiritual significance, Zion exuded these qualities in everything he did,” she writes. “Whether it was through his nightly checks on his mom, filled with hugs and kisses, or his random moments of singing an inspirational song when someone needed it. Zion’s name was not just a label, but a reflection of his essence and character. Zion was God fearing and there was not doubt about it the love he had for God.”

She writes that Zion was kind and loving, bright and funny. She shares that he’s a singer, a dancer, and a person who inspired everyone around him. She said one of his favorite songs, “Lift Me Up” by Rihanna, has especially deep meaning to their family now as they mourn his loss.

“This song offers a sense of solace and comfort, reminding my sister that she is not alone in her pain. The songs message of resilience and strength in the face of adversity breeds encouragement to find the courage to carry on despite the overwhelming weight of grief. It serves as a reminder that it is okay to lean on others for support and to seek comfort in the presence of loved ones during times of deep sorrow,” she writes.

The family’s GoFundMe has raised more than $13,000 as the community pours love and support over the family.

Investigators are asking residents to check their doorbell and security cameras to see if they contain any video that might help them locate a suspect. Police are still searching for the shooter. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective C. Crews at 910-751-1046.