Former basketball player Hillary Farr Jr, 17, died after a shooting in Dayton on Sunday night.
Hillary Farr Jr was a senior leader for the Dunbar Wolverines varsity basketball team. Wearing the #5 jersey, Farr served as a key contributor throughout his high school career.
In the 2024-25 season, he played an essential role as Dunbar posted a 14-9 overall record and an impressive 10-0 conference finish, capturing first place in league play and earning a state ranking of #185.
As a senior in the class of 2026, he represented the Wolverines’ tradition of excellence, not only as a skilled athlete but also as a steady presence for younger teammates like Moses Sanford IV and D’Marcus Dansby.
Alongside fellow upper-level students such as Jace Allen and Derrick Hardy, he provided leadership and experience.
Hillary Farr Jr. Died From Injuries He Sustained During The Shooting In Dayton
According to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office, Hillary Farr was identified as the victim in the shooting in Dayton.
Dayton officers responded to the 3800 block of Alvin Avenue on reports of a shooting around 8:30 p.m.
When officers got to the scene, they found a 17-year-old boy, Hillary Farr Jr., who had been shot.
He was taken to Miami Valley Hospital. Dayton Police Lieutenant Eric Sheldon announced on Monday, September 15, 2025, that he had died from his injuries.
As shown on News Center 7 at 6:00, Farr’s family and relatives gathered at his home to support each other and remember him. Tierra Stark, Farr’s mother, said,
“He was a good kid, like he tried his best,” “He looked out for me, he looked out for his siblings, like, he loved me. Like, he was positive, he loved life.”
Tierra Stark
She told News Center 7 she doesn’t know who killed her son, but she and other family members are confident he knew his killer. Stark added,
“Yes, he was outside talking to someone in the car,” “Shots let off and my baby was gone.”
Tierra Stark
Farr’s grandmother, Saundra Johnson, said that he was gunned down in the street, in front of his younger brother and sister.
She also said Farr loved and was good in school, and also loved church. Just last week, he had organized a group prayer circle at his home.
Saundra added,
“They were all holding hands in a circle and praying for the neighborhood,”
Saundra Johnson
However, the shooting is under investigation by the Dayton Police Department’s Homicide Unit.
Farr’s elder cousin, Nerressa Martin, a graduate of the Creative Images Beauty College, took to her official Facebook handle and offered her heartfelt condolences. She wrote,
R.I.P to my little cousin Hillary Farr Jr.
Nerressa Martin
Other close ones and relatives have also poured their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Hillary and his family to stay strong in this difficult time.
Rest in Heaven, Hillary Farr Jr.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Hillary’s mother, Tierra, grew up with three brothers: Otterbein Roke, Casso Hawkins, and Jazair Javon Simon.
- Tierra’s cousin, Tiff Davis, works as a sales associate at Walmart.
