Family, friends mourn teen basketball star killed in crash on Long Island

Friday, January 29, 2021
UNIONDALE, Long Island (WABC) -- At just 15 years old, Jomani 'Jo-Jo' Wright is being called an inspiration and a legend by those who knew him well.

Wright had aspirations to get to the NBA, but instead of seeing him on the court, on Friday, his family and friends gathered to remember him just two days after he died in a fatal crash. Mourners shined the light for their hometown superstar.
High school basketball star Jo-Jo Wright killed in Long Island crash


Okheif Tyrell wore a sweatshirt for his best friend.

"He was a little brother to me - I knew him since he was 10," said Tyrell.

Tyrell and more than a hundred others gathered at the same spot Wright lost his life in a car accident on Wednesday afternoon - hugging, crying, and praying.

As the memorial on Front Street grew, so did the crowd that night, remembering Jo-Jo the basketball player, and his dreams to be part of the NBA. The Brooklyn Nets were his favorite team.

His heartbroken father and two brothers choked back tears as they talked about their sweet Jo-Jo.

Jo-Jo started playing on the varsity team at Uniondale High School in the 8th grade.

There were other teens in the car with Jo-Jo on Wednesday - they are all ok. So is the elderly driver of the other car.

ALSO READ | Snowy Owl in Central Park gives visitors once in a lifetime sight
Snowy Owl gives Central Park visitors once in a lifetime sight


----------
* More Long Island news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Follow us on YouTube
Submit a News Tip
Copyright © 2024 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.