Raylin Harrison, a 17-year-old student at Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, Florida, tragically lost his life on the night of Sunday, December 28, 2025, after being struck by a single gunshot wound during an incident that has left his family, school, and the wider community in profound mourning.
Shortly after reports of gunfire reached emergency dispatchers, Orlando Police Department officers responded to the scene and located Raylin suffering from a serious injury. Despite the rapid arrival of paramedics and immediate transport to a nearby trauma center, the severity of the wound proved fatal, and he was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
The shooting occurred in a residential area near the school community, a place where teenagers often gather after dark during the holiday break, turning what should have been a quiet Sunday night into a moment of irreversible loss.
Detectives have since launched a full homicide investigation, canvassing the neighborhood, reviewing any available surveillance footage, and interviewing potential witnesses in an effort to determine the circumstances and identify those responsible. As of December 30, 2025, no arrests have been announced, though authorities continue to urge anyone with information to come forward.
Raylin was a standout member of the Dr. Phillips High School football team, where his natural athletic ability, work ethic, and positive attitude quickly earned him respect from coaches and teammates alike. Dr. Phillips High, known for its competitive athletic programs and strong sense of school spirit, provided Raylin with a platform to showcase his talent on the field while developing the discipline and teamwork that characterized his approach to both sports and life.
Coaches described him as a player who gave maximum effort in every practice and game, always encouraging others and maintaining a humble demeanor even when performing at a high level. Beyond the football field, Raylin was recognized throughout the school as a good-hearted young man whose kindness extended to classmates, teachers, and staff. His presence brought energy and warmth to hallways and classrooms, leaving a lasting impression on educators who saw in him both academic potential and genuine character.
The community surrounding Dr. Phillips High School encompasses a diverse mix of families who take great pride in their neighborhood schools and youth programs. Orlando’s west side offers a blend of suburban neighborhoods, parks, and recreational facilities where teenagers spend time together after school and on weekends. For many students, high school represents a formative period filled with friendships, first achievements, and dreams of the future.
Raylin embodied the best of this environment, balancing athletic pursuits with the everyday joys of teenage life—hanging out with friends, sharing laughs, and looking forward to what lay ahead. His sudden absence has created a noticeable void in the school and neighborhood, where his smile, his dedication, and his positive influence had become familiar and cherished parts of daily life.
At just 17 years old, Raylin stood on the threshold of young adulthood, carrying the promise and optimism that define this stage of life. He was preparing to finish his high school career, continue developing his athletic talent, and begin exploring the opportunities that await graduates in a city known for its growth, diversity, and endless possibilities.
His youth placed him among a generation navigating the transition from adolescence to independence, often with the support of family, teachers, and coaches who invest deeply in their futures. The abrupt end to his journey has left those who knew him grappling with the fragility of life and the importance of protecting the young people who represent hope and continuity for their communities.
The Dr. Phillips High School community, along with families throughout the surrounding neighborhoods, has responded to Raylin’s passing with the unity and compassion that characterize this Orlando area. Teachers, coaches, counselors, and students have come together to offer support, share memories, and provide a space for collective grieving during the final week of the year.