Friends, faculty, and undoubtedly family members are struggling to cope with the recent loss of Melody Ross, a 16-year old student at Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach.

According to official reports, Melody was struck in her torso by a bullet originating from a nearby gun battle following the Wilson High Homecoming football game against athletic rival Long Beach Polytechnic High last Friday evening around 10PM.  Melody was with close friends as they and numerous others left the game; an innocent bystander, yet tragic victim.

Melody Ross was a member of Wilson’s Track And Field team, and also an AP Honors student.

The feeling around the makeshift memorial just outside school gates on Ximeno Avenue was thick with sorrow this afternoon as students gathered to silently pay tribute to their friend and fellow classmate.  A conglomeration of flowers, candles, balloons, letters and posters with hand written messages to Melody was sectioned off curbside with caution tape and construction pylons.

During my short visit at the memorial, I was taken aback at some of the brash actions being displayed by some media members.  Reporters from every major local channel was on scene, and some of the video camera operators were getting rather offensively close to mourning students either paying respects or posting newly made remembrance banners on the school fence.

Until today, I’ve been comfortable with capturing moments of joy and happiness in a persons life, or an athlete at the pinnacle of their moment.  Although I went to pay tribute to a local student who had fallen victim to senseless violence, taken away from this realm against her choice by an insolent act, I hope I may never have to feel what I did today with any of the kids that I know and support in my work.

My sincere condolences goes out to the Ross family, Melody’s friends, classmates, and teammates, faculty and staff of Wilson High School, and those who were fortunate enough to have known her.

May justice be served, and be served expeditiously.

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