Nationwide — Tumusifu Bazirake, a 19-year-old African American teen from Arizona, died after several people allegedly beat him during a soccer game. His family says he stepped in to protect his brother after tensions erupted after a goal was scored. He died in a hospital on Aug. 6, days after the attack left him in extremely critical condition. Phoenix police are investigating his death as a homicide.
According to People, his brother, Jeanpaul, said the confrontation started after their team scored. Players on the opposing team reportedly became angry and began punching him, and Bazirake stepped in to protect him. Jeanpaul later saw his brother on the ground as several people kicked, punched, and stepped on him. The attackers reportedly fled before authorities arrived.
Fire department officials found Bazirake unresponsive and took him to a hospital. Police later learned that he had died from his injuries as investigators continued working to identify those involved.
Bazirake died about a week before he was expected to start college. His family said he wanted to become a firefighter. A GoFundMe campaign was launched for his funeral expenses, which has so far raised nearly $4,000. Police are asking anyone with information to come forward.