Gators Offer Support to Yazoo City Player After Mother’s Death

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Christopher Lacey and the Vicksburg High School Booster Club extended a gesture of support Friday night to a Yazoo City football player whose mother was killed earlier this week in a domestic violence incident.

During halftime of the game between the two schools, Lacey and the booster club presented the family of 35-year-old Kenlanda Burns with a monetary donation, flowers and a gift basket. Burns’ son plays for Yazoo City and suited up in the game.

Authorities said 39-year-old Erwin Barnes killed Burns and later died by suicide. The death has left the Yazoo City community grieving.

School officials said the gifts were a small token meant to show that, despite competition on the field, the Gators’ organization stands with all student-athletes and their families in times of tragedy.