Aaron D. Esters, Jr. Obituary, Death – The identity of a Louisville teenager who died after being shot outside a high school football game has been released. The Jefferson County Coroner confirmed that 17-year-old Aaron D. Esters, Jr., a Louisville resident, passed away on Tuesday after spending nine days in critical condition following the shooting.
A family member informed WDRB that Esters attended Valley High School. In response to the tragedy, Valley’s principal, Jennie Currin, sent a letter to the families of students on Thursday, acknowledging that a student had died. Although the letter did not reveal the student’s name, it expressed condolences to the family. Currin wrote, “As you may be aware, one of our students has passed away. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with the student’s family during this difficult time. We thank them for allowing us to share in the student’s life.”
The letter also provided resources for students and families to help cope with the loss, including contact information for Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) counselors and mental health organizations, offering age-appropriate guidance on grief.
Esters died after a double shooting on Sunday, September 29, which took place outside a football game between Pleasure Ridge Park and Male High Schools. A second juvenile was also shot that night and later showed up at UofL Health – Mary and Elizabeth Hospital. Fortunately, his injuries were not considered life-threatening.
The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) Homicide Unit is still investigating the incident, but no arrests have been made at this time. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact the LMPD tip line at 502-574-LMPD (5673), and callers have the option to remain anonymous.