‘He was supposed to be safe’: 15-year-old shot and killed getting off school bus

COLUMBUS, Ga. ( WTVM /Gray News) - A Georgia teenager tragically died in a shooting after getting off a school bus Thursday afternoon.

Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan identified the teen as 15-year-old Earkavion Lee.

Authorities said the shooting happened in a neighborhood at about 4:30 p.m. with Earkavion dying about 45 minutes later.

"There's something extra wrong about this," Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson said. "This kid was getting off the school bus where he was supposed to be safe."

Earkavion was a ninth grader at Kendrick High School and his brother, Earkus Porter, was also fatally shot at an area park in February.

"It's a gut punch anytime a violent crime takes place, particularly when somebody loses their life. It's horrible," Henderson said.

Authorities have not made any immediate arrests and said their investigation remains ongoing.

"It's a senseless, senseless act. We're going to keep working and our law enforcement won't rest to stop these kinds of things from happening," Henderson said.

The Muscogee County School District also called the shooting senseless while saying its thoughts and prayers are with the family.

"Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and the entire school community during this incredibly difficult time," a school district spokesperson said. "The safety and well-being of our students are always our top priorities. We are confident that the Columbus Police Department will continue its thorough investigation into this matter."

Authorities urged anyone with further information to contact them at 706-225-4363.