Fayette teen dies in tragic firearm accident

A Fayette teenager is dead following what is believed to be an accidental shooting at his home Saturday night. Kevin Cash Valencia, 15, was killed after he was struck by a bullet from a gun allegedly in possession of a family member at around 9 p.m. on February 20.

The shooting, so far, is being treated as accidental by the Fayette Police Department. No arrests have been made and no one has been charged. Police Chief David Ford said the incident is still under investigation and released no details.

Cash, who turned 15 in January, was a freshman at Fayette High School, where he was a strident athlete. He is the youngest of four children. His mother, Amy, teaches special education at FHS.

The tragedy of his death has cast a pall over the entire community.

“We are deeply saddened by this sudden and painful loss,” said Fayette Superintendent Jill Wiseman on Sunday. 

Crisis counselors will be available at the high school from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday of this week. Parent-teacher conferences originally scheduled for Monday, February 22, have been postponed until Monday, March 1.

The FHS girls basketball team forfeited their district game on Monday.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Valencia family and friends,” Wiseman said.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

A vigil honoring recent tragedies will take place at 6 p.m. on Friday night on the courthouse square in downtown Fayette.