MAYFIELD, Ky. —A Friday night football game in Mayfield, Kentucky was disrupted by tragedy when gunfire erupted near the stadium, leaving one person injured and a community shaken. The incident occurred during the highly anticipated “Battle of the Birds” matchup between Mayfield High School and Graves County High School at War Memorial Stadium.
According to the Mayfield Police Department, shots were fired in a parking area adjacent to the stadium while the game was underway. Witnesses described a sudden scene of confusion as players, coaches, referees, and fans rushed to find safety after news of the gunfire spread through the stands.
Police confirmed that the victim, an adult whose name has not yet been released, was initially transported by ambulance to Jackson Purchase Medical Center. Due to the severity of the injuries, they were later airlifted to a hospital in Nashville, Tennessee for advanced treatment. Officials have not disclosed the individual’s current condition.
Videos shared online, including portions of a WYMC Radio livestream, captured the frightening moment when spectators began to flee the stadium. What had started as a spirited rivalry game quickly turned into a scene of chaos and fear as law enforcement secured the area.
Mayfield Independent Schools confirmed in a statement that all school-related activities for the weekend have been canceled, and counselors are being made available to students and staff coping with the traumatic event.
The Mayfield Police Department is actively investigating and has urged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Community members can provide tips by calling dispatch at (270) 856-3721, reaching out to Crimestoppers at (270) 443-8355, or texting “WKY” followed by their tip to 738477.
The incident comes as a sobering reminder of the impact gun violence can have on communities and events meant to bring people together. For Mayfield, a town still recovering from the devastation of the 2021 tornado outbreak, the shooting has left many residents heartbroken as yet another layer of tragedy weighs on the community.
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