ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. – Another teen gunned down, this time in Atlantic Beach, according to friends the teen who lost his life is Trevaj Cheek. According to police a teen was shot and killed early Sunday morning around 4. A crime stoppers sign and police markers lie where the shooting happened.
We first met Cheek in 2017, at the Rising Stars talent show, through the Community Schools of Jacksonville. He dreamed of being a well-known entertainer.
“Trevaj was a part of our after-school program at Mayport Middle School,” Erin Mangan, Chief Development Officer of Community Schools of Jacksonville said.
The program is funded by Kids Hope Alliance, a three-hour program with food and educational support.
“We are very sad to hear about it. I remember him from the auditions, I remember him from the show,” Mangan said.
A family member on social media wrote, “I miss his energy, he had love for everybody, he always tell people I love you my brother.”
According to the police report, Cheek was found dead beside a car, two young women were standing near the car. He was taken to the hospital and did not survive.
And although his life was cut short, he left a positive impression on many people in a short time.
“He was very talented at dancing. I believe he was doing break dancing, I remember him doing back flips,” Mangan said.
Now JSO is investigating who murdered Cheeks and why.