Sulliman Godfrey Obituary, Cause of Death: 17-Year-Old Fatally Shot Near Garcia’s Boat Ramp
Sulliman Godfrey, 17, is being remembered following a fatal shooting near Garcia’s Boat Ramp in Indian River County, Florida, on October 2, 2026.
According to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the 3700 block of County Road 512 shortly after 11:24 p.m. after receiving a report that a juvenile had been shot near the boat ramp. The area is close to the Fort Drum Marsh Conservation Area.
Godfrey was found injured by deputies, who began lifesaving measures before he was transported to Sebastian River Medical Center. He was later flown to Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne, where he ultimately died from his injuries.
Investigators are working to determine exactly what led to the shooting. Information provided in connection with the case indicates that a party had reportedly been broken up earlier in the evening before some people relocated to the boat ramp. An altercation allegedly occurred, and Godfrey was reportedly attempting to intervene when he was shot.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed that sequence of events, however, and investigators have not released the identity of a suspect, a confirmed motive or details about potential charges. Officials have described the incident as isolated and said there was no known continuing threat to the broader public.
Godfrey was initially described as a senior at Sebastian River High School. The Indian River School District later clarified that he had recently withdrawn from the district and was being homeschooled, meaning he was not enrolled at the school when the shooting occurred.
The district expressed condolences to Godfrey’s family and friends and said it was communicating with the sheriff’s office while working to support students, staff and families affected by the tragedy.
Cause of Death
Sulliman Godfrey died from injuries sustained in the shooting near Garcia’s Boat Ramp, according to authorities. The circumstances leading to the shooting remain under investigation.
No suspect or motive has been publicly confirmed at this time. Authorities continue to gather information and reconstruct the events that preceded the fatal gunfire.
Godfrey was 17 years old. His death has left relatives, friends and others in the community mourning a young life that was tragically cut short.
As the investigation continues, additional information may be released by the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office regarding the circumstances of the shooting and any potential arrests or charges.
