Eric Donnell Pinellas Jr., a 30-year-old resident of Kissimmee, Florida, died on January 11, 2023, as a result of a violent incident. He was the son of Amy Rae Gallman-Geronimo and Eric D. Pinellas Sr., and was born on August 6, 1992, in Kissimmee.
The incident occurred early Wednesday morning when the Kissimmee Police Department responded to a call regarding gunshots near the intersection of Cypress and Bay Streets, just a couple of blocks north and east of the intersection of Vine
Street and Orange Blossom Trail. Upon arrival, police found a victim with gunshot wounds, who was subsequently transported to a local hospital. Despite medical efforts, Eric Donnell Pinellas Jr. succumbed to his injuries.
According to reports, Pinellas Jr. was either walking to or from a relative's house at the time of the shooting. The Kissimmee Police Department has been conducting an active investigation into the incident but, as of the latest updates, no suspects have been named or arrested.
The death of Eric Donnell Pinellas Jr. has had a profound impact on the Osceola High School community, where his father, Eric Pinellas, serves as the varsity football coach. Pinellas Jr. himself was a former varsity football player at Osceola High School, having played during his junior season in 2008. The community, including friends, current and former teachers, and fellow players and coaches, has been mourning his loss and offering support to Coach Pinellas and his family.
Coach Pinellas expressed his grief on social media, describing the loss of his son as a result of "senseless gun violence" and highlighting the profound impact of the tragedy on his family. The community has rallied around Coach Pinellas, offering prayers and emotional support during this difficult time. Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the Kissimmee Police Department at 407-846-3333.
