Daryl Perry Jr., an 18-year-old African American male from Coatesville, PA, tragically passed away on May 30, 2021. He was known for his athletic prowess, excelling in football, track, lacrosse, and baseball. Daryl was a recent graduate of Coatesville Area Senior High School and was attending Lincoln University with aspirations to play football for the Blue Tigers.
Daryl's death was the result of an accidental shooting that occurred during a house gathering with friends on May 29, 2021.
According to his father, Daryl was shot in the head while others at the gathering were playing with guns. The young man responsible for the accidental shooting, Daryl's friend Dapree Bryant, was arrested on weapons-related charges. Bryant, who was 20 years old at the time, was a well-known athlete at Coatesville High School.
The incident deeply affected the close-knit community of Coatesville, leading to calls for peace and love rather than anger and further violence. A vigil was held at Palmer Park in Coatesville to honor Daryl's memory and to promote peace in the community.
In January 2022, Dapree Bryant pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and firearms charges related to Daryl's death. He was sentenced to 11 1/2 to 23 months in prison and received five years of probation. Bryant was paroled in July 2023, but shortly after his release, he was shot and wounded in an incident that is still under investigation.
Daryl Perry Jr.'s legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the love he shared with his family, friends, and teammates. His passing has left a lasting impact on the community, and his memory continues to inspire those who knew him.
