Bronx teen shot on way to school dies after arriving at hospital

Javits Frimpong, a 15-year-old student in the Claremont neighborhood of the Bronx, died after being shot in the stomach on his way to school Thursday morning. Police said the incident occurred near the intersection of East 171st Street and Crotona Place. Frimpong was transported to a hospital, where medical staff were unable to save him.

Frimpong arrived in the United States from Ghana in October 2025. His father brought him to the country with the expectation of providing a better life. According to relatives, less than a year passed before the teenager was killed. He attended DreamYard Preparatory School, where he was described as a bright student with ambitions to become a doctor.

Frimpong’s father told reporters on Thursday that his son had been bullied by other students at his school. The father believes the shooting is connected to that dynamic. Community members gathered at the scene shortly after the incident to pray for Frimpong and his family. One speaker noted the tragedy of a young boy taking the life of another young boy. That speaker asked how the shooter obtained a gun and where it came from.

Mourners at the gathering expressed frustration with local statistics. City officials reported that major crime in the Bronx dropped by nearly 12% through Sept. 30 compared to the same period last year. Residents said those numbers do not match their daily reality. One speaker stated that while government agencies say crime is going down, the community sees younger children dying.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Family members and neighbors are processing the loss of a teenager whose future they described as being cut short. One mourner identified Frimpong as a brother, nephew, and cousin to many in the group. That speaker urged others to take action regarding the events that led to the death.

The shooting happened during the morning commute to school. Frimpong was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Doctors confirmed his death after the arrival. Police are reviewing the circumstances of the incident on East 171st Street and Crotona Place.