Ricky Arroyo was a devoted father, a loving partner, and a pillar of the youth basketball community in Chicopee, Massachusetts. At 35, he was known as a talented coach and mentor who dedicated his life to supporting young athletes, making them feel valued and loved. His passion for basketball was more than a game; it was a way to shape young lives and build lasting friendships.
Those who knew him, including the many players he guided, remembered him as a role model and a "bonus dad" who would not only teach them skills on the court but also give them rides home and the confidence to succeed. His cousin recalled how Ricky taught him to play basketball properly, a testament to the generosity he showed to everyone. His love extended far beyond his own family, but his partner and their three children were his world.
The afternoon of Sunday, October 11, 2026, was shattered by sudden violence. Around 1 p.m., Ricky Arroyo was on Nick Cosmos Way in Holyoke, outside the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holyoke. Inside the facility, a preseason high school girls' basketball game was underway. An altercation occurred outside, and Arroyo was shot. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as someone yelled "active shooter," causing children inside the club to hide under the bleachers for safety. Holyoke Police officers responded to a report of a man down and discovered Arroyo suffering from gunshot wounds. He was rushed by ambulance to a local hospital, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into the shooting began immediately. During their initial response at the scene, Holyoke Police officers located and arrested a suspect, identified as 37-year-old Craig Jones of South Hadley. The case was taken on by the Hampden District Attorney’s Office State Police Detective Unit in conjunction with the Holyoke Police Department. The Boys and Girls Club issued a statement expressing deep sadness over the loss of life and clarifying that the individuals involved were not associated with their organization. They confirmed that their staff had activated emergency protocols to ensure the safety of everyone inside the building.
Two days after the shooting, on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Craig Jones was arraigned in Holyoke District Court. He pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building. The courtroom had a heavy security presence, with state troopers and local police officers standing by. Jones was ordered to be held without bail.
The community was left heartbroken by the loss of a man who had given so much. On the evening of October 13, hundreds of people, including family, friends, and countless young athletes, gathered for a candlelight vigil at Szot Park in Chicopee. They lit candles, held balloons, and shared memories of the man who had profoundly impacted their lives. In the wake of his death, a GoFundMe campaign was organized to support his partner and children, who were facing not only unimaginable grief but also financial challenges. The fundraiser was a call for the community to show up for Ricky's family in the same way he had always shown up for others.
A celebration of Ricky's life was held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at a funeral home in Holyoke, inviting all who knew him to honor his memory. The criminal case against Craig Jones was scheduled for another court date on November 13, 2026. As of the latest available reports from October 2026, the investigation was ongoing, and Jones was being held without bail while awaiting further court proceedings. Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni expressed his sympathies to Ricky Arroyo's family as they navigated their devastating loss.
