Heartbroken Mother, Ranessha Bell Speaks As Irvington High School Mourns The Tragic Death Of Football Star Ziyad Cook

Ziyad Cook’s mother, Ranessha Bell, is living with unimaginable hurt after losing her older son to tragedy.

Ziyad Cook, a high school football star, tragically died in a horrific shooting at the age of 16 on Thursday, June 26, 2025. He was shot just before 6 p.m. in Newark’s West Ward.

The Irvington school announced on Monday, June 30, 2025, that a standout high school football player, Ziyad, was fatally shot in Newark.

As per Essex County authorities, two juveniles were shot near 227 Brookdale Avenue. Both were transported to the hospital.

Cook was waiting outside of his grandfather’s home, near Brookdale Avenue, with a friend when a gunman came up and shot them both.

Ziyad was pronounced dead later that evening at 9:19 p.m., while the second teenager remains hospitalized in critical condition.

However, the authorities have not released details regarding the motive or suspects involved, and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force is actively investigating the case.

The Irvington School superintendent, Dr. April Vauss, said,

Irvington High School students released balloons on Monday, displaying the school colors and Cook’s uniform number.

Ziyad Cook’s Parents Are Devastated By The Tragic Death Of Their Son

Born in 2009, Ziyad Cook was raised by his mother, Ranessha Bell, and his father, whose identity has not been revealed.

His parents have always supported him in achieving his football dreams.

Currently, Ranessha is mourning the death of her son, Ziyad.

Ranessha recently met with Ziyad’s football teammates to encourage them to stay strong and thanked them for their support of her. They also handed her Ziyad’s football jersey.

During the interview, she said,

Ranessha also said Ziyad was the light of her eyes and was proud of his Irvington High Blue Knights football teammates and his many other friends, who she says will always be a part of her life.

Bell added,

According to Ranessha’s official Facebook handle, she grew up with her sister, Helena Bell, who lives in Newark, New Jersey, United States.

High School Football Star Ziyad Cook Grew Up With His One Young Brother

A football player at Irvington High School, Ziyad Cook, has one younger brother, Lilzy, whose Instagram username is @selfmade._ish_.

Cook’s brother makes frequent appearances on his mother, Ranessha’s, social media handle.

According to the source, Cook’s brother plays basketball for Battle Tested, wearing jersey number 10.

He also plays football for the Brick City Lions 11u.

Recently, Cook’s brother took to his Instagram story and posted a photo wearing the jersey of his brother, Ziyad, as a tribute.

Currently, he is also mourning the tragic death of his supportive brother, Ziyad Cook.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• As a junior in the 2024 season, Ziyad helped lead Irvington to a 4-4 overall record and a 3-2 mark in league play, earning them third place in the standings and a state ranking of #121.
• During his sophomore campaign in 2023, he made significant contributions to a stronger season that culminated in a 6-5 record, second in the league, and a state ranking of #45.