REPORT: 18-Year-Old Football Player Bryce Gerlach Tragically Dies After Heroically Saving His Friends

Bryce Gerlach Corydon graphic

Bryce Gerlach (Photo via @CoachBrugg/X)
Corydon Central High School is mourning the death of student Bryce Gerlach, who tragically lost his life in a shooting incident earlier this month.

Gerlach, an 18-year-old senior who played football for the school, was at the Harvest Homecoming Festival in New Albany, Indiana, on October 12 when he was shot during a crossfire between two groups of males.

According to New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey, per WAVE-TV, Gerlach was one of three people shot. He was an innocent bystander who is said to have been killed while trying to protect others from the gunfire.

“Initially, police believed shots were only fired from the YMCA parking lot off State Street and the Scribner House off State and Main streets, but an investigation showed that there may have been more shots fired from within the carnival area.

“Bailey said all suspects, described as Black men in their teens and early 20s, fled the area. One suspect was identified as a Black male with dreadlocks wearing a red hoodie. All suspects are still considered dangerous.”

Gerlach played as a defensive back and kicker for the Corydon Central Panthers.

The Community Has Rallied Around The Family Bryce Gerlach

Corydon Central and the community at large have been left in devastation following the killing of Bryce Gerlach. His teammates and the school made plans to honor him during a senior night football game against Silver Creek.

The community has done a lot to show Bryce’s family how much he meant to them, holding vigils in his memory while his parking spot at the school has been turned into a makeshift memorial.

As of the time of writing, no arrests had been confirmed.

According to police, Bryce and the other two persons who were shot – a 22-year-old male and a 44-year-old woman – were innocent bystanders and had nothing to do with the gunfire.

We at TPS extend condolences to Bryce’s family, friends, and loved ones.

R.I.P. Bryce Gerlach.