Sulliman Godfrey Obituary, INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. — Sulliman Godfrey, 17, died after being shot late Friday night, October 2, 2026, near Garcia’s Boat Ramp in Indian River County, Florida. His death has left his family, friends and members of the local community mourning a young life lost.
According to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded at approximately 11:24 p.m. to a report of a juvenile who had been shot near Garcia’s Boat Ramp in the 3700 block of County Road 512, near the Fort Drum Marsh Conservation Area.
Deputies found Godfrey at the scene and began lifesaving measures while awaiting assistance from Indian River County Fire Rescue. He was transported to Sebastian River Medical Center and later flown to Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne, where he died from his injuries, according to the sheriff’s office.
Information provided in connection with the investigation indicated that a party that had previously been broken up reportedly relocated to the boat ramp area. An altercation allegedly developed among people there, and Godfrey was reportedly attempting to intervene and break up the fight when he was shot. Authorities have not publicly confirmed the full sequence of events.
The sheriff’s office described the shooting as an isolated incident and said there was no known threat to the public. Lieutenant Kevin Jaworski said the investigation remained active. Authorities had not released information about a possible suspect, the circumstances surrounding the gunfire or any potential charges in the information provided.
Godfrey was initially described as a senior at Sebastian River High School. The Indian River School District later clarified that he had recently withdrawn from the school to pursue homeschooling and was not enrolled in the district when the shooting occurred. District spokeswoman Kyra Schafte expressed condolences to his family and friends and to members of the Sebastian River High School community affected by his death.
The district was communicating with the sheriff’s office while working to support students, staff, families and the wider community, Schafte said. A school dance had also been scheduled for Saturday evening at Sebastian River High School, according to the information provided.
The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the fatal shooting near Garcia’s Boat Ramp. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the sheriff’s office as investigators work to establish what led to the shooting and determine whether anyone will face charges. Sulliman Godfrey is remembered by those mourning his death, and condolences go to his family, friends and all who knew him as they grieve his passing.
