Hollygrove, New Orleans, Eric Simmons III Dies After Afternoon Shooting Near Bus Stop
Hollygrove, New Orleans — A typical Wednesday afternoon turned tragic on November 13 when Eric Simmons III, 17, a Carver High School student, was fatally shot while walking home from his bus stop. Around 4:30 p.m., Eric stepped off the bus near the 8200 block of Stroelitz Street, close to Cypress Trace Apartments, unaware of the danger approaching him. Several individuals fired multiple gunshots, striking Eric in broad daylight. Witnesses reported hearing the shots, which initially sounded like firecrackers, only realizing the severity of the situation moments later as police cars arrived and cordoned off the block.
Eric was immediately surrounded by first responders, but despite their efforts, there was nothing they could do to save him. Evidence markers dotted the scene as investigators from the New Orleans Police Department began their meticulous work, documenting the location and collecting forensic evidence. Neighbors described shock and fear, recounting how they watched the chaos unfold from their windows, yards, and porches. Many were struck by the proximity of the shooting to everyday routines—people walking dogs, collecting mail, and children playing nearby.
The suspects remain at large, leaving Eric’s family and the community grappling with grief and disbelief. Law enforcement has launched a full investigation, seeking witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage, and gathering any leads that may identify those responsible. NOPD spokesperson Reese Harper emphasized the heartbreak of losing a young life and reinforced the importance of community cooperation to bring justice. The department is urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
Eric was described by classmates and teachers as a bright and conscientious student, known for wearing his uniform with pride and being attentive to his studies. Friends recall him laughing, joking, and planning for the future—homework, family meals, and the small joys of teenage life. Now, that potential has been violently cut short, leaving an empty seat at the dinner table and a community mourning a young man taken far too soon.
The Hollygrove neighborhood, like many parts of New Orleans, struggles with the reality of ongoing violence, and Eric’s death is a painful reminder of how quickly ordinary life can change. Police continue to investigate the shooting while neighbors cope with fear and grief, attempting to make sense of a loss that feels entirely senseless. Family members, friends, and the wider community are left to remember Eric for his warmth, promise, and presence, hoping that his life, though brief, will not be forgotten.
Eric Simmons III’s passing underscores the urgent need for safety and awareness in neighborhoods across the city. While investigators work to bring the perpetrators to justice, Hollygrove grieves a young life and holds onto memories of a teenager whose life ended far too soon, in a place where he should have felt safe walking home from school.
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