Jamahri Sims Obituary, Death – Authorities are investigating a tragic incident in Tifton, Georgia, that left one teenager dead and another injured on Monday afternoon. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) confirmed that the event took place on October 6, drawing a swift response from multiple law enforcement and emergency agencies.
According to an official statement from the Tifton Police Department (TPD), officers were dispatched to South Central Avenue around 1 p.m. after reports of a shooting. When they arrived, they found 16-year-old Jamahri Sims suffering from serious injuries. First responders provided emergency aid before Sims was transported to Tift Regional Medical Center, where he sadly passed away despite efforts to save him.
Investigators later discovered that another individual had also been hurt in the same incident. That person was located at a home near East 13th Street and was taken to the same medical facility for treatment. Officials say the second teen is recovering, though details about their current condition have not been released publicly.
The loss of Jamahri Sims has deeply affected the Tifton community, especially among students and staff of Tift County Schools, where Sims was enrolled. The school district expressed its condolences on social media, remembering him as a valued member of their student body.
Tifton Police Chief Steve Hyman also shared a heartfelt message addressing the tragedy and calling for unity within the community to prevent similar events from happening again. In his message, Chief Hyman described the efforts of first responders who worked tirelessly to save Sims’s life, emphasizing the emotional toll such moments have on officers, firefighters, and paramedics.
He reflected on the broader issue of youth violence and the accessibility of illegal firearms, urging the community—especially parents—to take an active role in monitoring and guiding their children’s behavior. Chief Hyman highlighted that law enforcement and local agencies have been taking proactive measures to make neighborhoods safer, but he stressed that true and lasting change begins within families.
“Over the past several months,” Chief Hyman said, “I’ve asked for the community’s help in getting illegal guns off our streets and out of the hands of our teens. I’ve asked parents to step up—to check what their kids are doing, whether they’re possessing weapons, and who and where they’re spending time with.”
He continued by noting that anonymous reporting systems are available for community members to safely share information that could prevent future violence. These tools allow individuals to contribute without fear of being identified, giving residents an easy and confidential way to assist police efforts.
Chief Hyman emphasized that while local authorities are working diligently—launching programs, partnerships, and community initiatives—none of these efforts can replace the influence of responsible parenting. “No measure we take, no program we launch, and no operation we conduct can ever equal the power of good parenting at home,” he stated. “That’s where real change begins.”
He concluded by expressing sympathy for the families affected by this tragedy, underscoring that his message was not about assigning blame but about encouraging everyone to take part in building a safer future for Tifton’s youth.
The GBI has taken over the formal investigation. As part of standard procedure, Sims’s body will be transported to the GBI Crime Lab in Macon for an autopsy. Once investigators complete their work, the case will be turned over to the Tift County District Attorney’s Office for review and possible legal action.
Officials are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward. Tips can be shared with the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Sylvester at 229-777-2080, the Tifton Police Department at 229-382-3132, or through anonymous reporting methods, including the GBI tip line (1-800-597-TIPS) and the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
As the investigation continues, the Tifton community is mourning the loss of a young life and rallying around efforts to prevent future tragedies through cooperation, awareness, and collective responsibility.
