A family is mourning the loss of a teen who died after a soccer match at a Phoenix park escalated into a violent brawl.
According to the New York Post, 19-year-old Tumusifu Bazirake was playing in a soccer game against a group of strangers at Sueno Park on Aug. 6 at approximately 8 p.m. when the altercation occurred. Bazirake’s brother, Jeanpaul, who was also playing in the match, said tensions rose after the opposing team grew upset about losing.
The confrontation quickly turned physical, with family members alleging the group attacked the brothers.
Brother Says Tumusifu Tried to Protect Him
Jeanpaul said Tumusifu stepped in to shield him during the assault, which he estimated lasted about 20 minutes.
“I tried to turn around, then he was on the ground, and they were just stepping on him while he’s on the ground. Stepping, kicking, punching — all that,” Jeanpaul told WKYC. Authorities said Bazirake was found unconscious by responding officials and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
He died from his injuries on Aug. 13, just days before he was scheduled to begin his first college semester.
Homicide Investigation Underway
Phoenix police have launched a homicide investigation due to the circumstances surrounding Bazirake’s death.
His body has been turned over to the Office of the Medical Examiner, which will determine the official cause of death. As of now, investigators have not publicly identified any suspects or announced any arrests in the case.
The investigation remains ongoing.