Ryan Bolden, a former first-round draft pick of the Los Angeles Angels, was shot and killed on Wednesday night after stepping in during a conflict among kids about candy, according to reports.
Bolden was visiting someone at an apartment complex in College Park, Ga. Apparently some kids around the age of 10 and 11 got into a fight about candy, and some adults intervened. Bolden was shot during the conflict and was taken to a local hospital where he died. He was 23.
Below is a look at the scene:
Man shot over candy in this College Park apt. complex parking lot id'ed as 23-yr-old Ryan Bolden. #fox5atl pic.twitter.com/sejbOw8aQV
— Marc Teichner (@mteichnerfox5) December 18, 2014
Bolden was from Madison, Miss., and was the 40th overall pick in the 2010 draft. Though he signed to attend Ole Miss, he decided to turn pro instead. Bolden struggled during his four seasons in the Angels’ organization, batting just .164 and never making it beyond rookie ball.
Former teammates and friends sent their best wishes about Bolden over Twitter and spoke well of the young man:
RIP to my former teammate and good friend Ryan Bolden. Another good soul taken by a heartless human.
— Daniel Reynolds (@DannyReynolds95) December 18, 2014
RIP to a former teammate, friend and one hell of an athlete Ryan Bolden! You'll be missed brother!
— Kody Eaves (@22Eaves) December 18, 2014
Wow..RIP Ryan Bolden. Funniest kid I ever had the honor of meeting. I enjoyed every minute I ever had with you bro..love ya kid..
— Wendell Soto (@SotoWendell) December 18, 2014
Ryan Bolden was without a doubt the most talented baseball player I've ever seen. The balls he used to hit in bp cleared the light poles
— Spencer Turnbull (@spencerturnbull) December 18, 2014
RIP Ryan Bolden. Sad to hear the news of such a great guy. We will all miss you brother.
— Kaleb Cowart (@KalebCowart) December 19, 2014
My first roommate of pro baseball passed away yesterday. One of the funniest kids I've ever met. RIP Ryan and prayers to the Bolden family.
— Cam Bedrosian (@Cam_Bedrock) December 19, 2014
RIP to former teammate Ryan Bolden. Extremely talented athlete on the field, but more importantly a great person off it. You will be missed.
— Eric Aguilera (@Ags_33) December 19, 2014
