In Brooklyn, a promising young athlete’s life took a devastating turn when Sixteen-year-old Nana Donkor, a talented high school basketball player, was shot in the back while waiting at a bus stop.
The bullet lodged in his spine, leaving him paralyzed and his future on the court uncertain.
But amid the pain and uncertainty, Nana and his family hold onto hope, faith, and a strong will to recover.
The incident happened on a Sunday afternoon, around 4 p.m., near Avenue J and East 16th Street in Midwood, Brooklyn.
Nana had just come from watching a football game with a friend. They were standing at the bus stop when trouble erupted.
According to police reports, three masked teenagers approached and opened fire.
The shooter was targeting someone next to Nana, a fellow churchgoer he barely knew, who sources say might have gang ties.
Nana heard the chilling sound of a gun being cocked, then the shots rang out. He tried to run for cover but felt a sharp pain and fell to the ground in what he described as slow motion.
Shell casings littered the scene, but no arrests have been made yet. The investigation is still ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Nana, who stands at 6 feet tall, is a junior at Far Rockaway High School in Queens.
He plays as a starting point guard and shooting guard for the Canarsie High School varsity team, wearing the #1 jersey since 2024.
As a freshman, he quickly rose to become a key player, known for his skills and dedication. He’s also an honor-roll student, balancing academics with his passion for the game.
His mother, Daniella Boakye, recalls how much he loved basketball. She said-:
“He really loved the basketball so much,”
Nana even joked through his pain that he “ruined my basketball because of football,” regretting the trip to watch the game that led to this nightmare.
Rushed to Maimonides Medical Center, Nana underwent surgery, but doctors decided it was too risky to remove the bullet from his spine.
Initially, the news was grim. His legs felt cold, with no sensation, and doctors warned he might be paralyzed for life and never walk again.
Daniella shared. Nana himself described the agony:
“The day it happened, the doctor said that he was not going to be able to walk, It hurts so much. If it doesn’t get better, then most likely I may not be able to play again. That’s going to hurt.”
He worries about his athletic future.
But in the days following the shooting, there have been signs of hope. Nana started feeling sensations in his feet, and he’s regained some feeling in his legs.
This little progress has lifted spirits. His mother believes it’s a miracle in the making. She said-:
“At first, it wasn’t easy, but now, because I have trust in God, everything will change. There is nothing hard for God to do, I believe in God. So after prayers and all that, I started getting hope that everything will be okay. He’s not going to be on the bed forever; it’s just a matter of time. I know he will walk.”
The family has been praying nonstop, supported by their church community and friends.
Nana’s own spirit shines through the hardship. From his hospital bed, he spoke about missing the start of the basketball season.
“It should have been yesterday, my first game of the season. And tomorrow would have been my second game. I really do want to get back. I feel like my team is missing out on me right now.”
Despite everything, he holds no grudge against the shooter.
“I would just want him to apologize to me for what he did. He’s a kid just like me, and I pray he lives his future and has a good life ahead of him, too.”
Nana remains optimistic, saying, “God is great, and I will be back on the court sometime soon.“
The road to recovery will be long and expensive. Nana faces intensive rehabilitation, therapy, and possible home modifications for accessibility.
Much of this isn’t fully covered by insurance.
To help, a family friend named Harry Bonsu set up a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of $20K
In the campaign description, Harry wrote:
“On what should have been a normal walk home after a basketball game, 16-year-old Nana Donkor’s life changed forever. Nana—an honor-roll student, rising basketball star, and all-around amazing young man—was shot in the back while heading home. By the grace of God, his life was spared, but he now faces a long and challenging rehabilitation journey just to have the chance to walk again.”
Via GoFundMe
Harry explained why they’re seeking help:
“Nana will require intensive and costly rehabilitation, much of which is only partially covered—or not covered at all—by insurance. His family is preparing for months and possibly years of therapy, medical equipment, travel, and services essential to his recovery. We are asking our community to come together and help support Nana and his family as they navigate this extremely difficult time. Every donation—big or small—makes a real difference.”
The funds will go toward specialized rehabilitation and mobility therapy, medical equipment and adaptive tools, travel and lodging for out-of-state rehab, home modifications for accessibility, and other costs not covered by insurance.
Harry emphasized the community’s role:
“No family should have to carry this burden alone. Nana has always been a source of joy, positivity, and inspiration to everyone who knows him. Now, he needs all of us. If you’re unable to donate, please share this campaign and keep Nana in your prayers. Your support—financial, spiritual, or emotional—means everything.”
Nana’s story highlights the senseless violence that can strike anyone, anywhere. His mother called for an end to it:
“They should stop. If I had the power, children wouldn’t have access to guns.”
As Nana fights to regain his strength, his determination inspires those around him.
He’s a fighter with an unmatched spirit and unwavering faith.
With community support and time, there’s real hope that this young star will not only walk again but also return to the basketball court he loves so much.
