Jamari Adams, 17, Was Shot and Killed One Week Before Her High School Graduation

Jamari Adams was 17-years old high school student killed during an early morning shooting incident in St. Louis, Missouri.

He leaves behind his mother Tammy Smith, sisters Asia Adams and Nija Smith; brothers Karene Smith and Joshua Adams; grandparents Janet Cobb, Julia Gillespie and Darrel Gillespie, uncles Cornelius Cobb Darell Adams Reginad Rainey and Arron Carr; nieces Kamori Reed Aerie Washington Damony Washington Jaylein Lewis as his best friend and many great aunts, uncles cousins and friends who loved him dearly.

Early Life and Education

Jamari may possess all of the talent to become a star on the football field, but his unique ability to navigate high school life sets him apart. Although his parents divorced when he was still young, his drive and work ethic make up for it all.

Mehlville High School sophomore athlete Dylan Cannon stands out with his outstanding quarterbacking and receiver skills, not to mention speed and an eye for passing routes. A key contributor in Mehlville’s recent state championship run, Cannon has amassed quite an impressive athletic resume including an array of athletic awards as well as selection to the all-conference team – not bad considering he is only half way through his sophomore season!

Professional Career

Jamari Adams was an American football player signed as an undrafted free agent by the Seattle Seahawks in 2008.

Adams attended Michigan University from 2004-2008 and played safety during that time, helping lead them to victory at the 2008 Capitol One Bowl. Adams earned second-team All-Big Ten Conference honorable mention as a junior, before earning honorable mention at senior year level.

He ended his college career with a total of 172 tackles (103 solo), two sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble and 22 passes broken up, four interceptions for 58 yards and four interceptions that led directly back into play. Born November 29 1985 in Matthews North Carolina as the youngest child to Tammy Smith and Bernard Adams. He leaves behind loving mother and siblings as well as grandparents and great-grandparents who will continue his legacy.

Achievement and Honors

Jamari Adams was among South Carolina’s most lauded athletes this year. He earned numerous honors and awards such as Gatorade South Carolina Player of the Year and Tri-County 4A/5A Offensive Player of the Year.

He earned All-Region 3-4A recognition, was nominated as a finalist for two national awards and participated in Shrine Bowl. Now early enrolled at James Madison, he plans to major in psychology.

Eli Adams and Derion Kendrick, two top players from his squad who signed their National Letters of Intent Wednesday and are now midyear enrollees at colleges.

Personal Life

Just weeks prior to graduating high school, Jamari Adams died in a tragic car crash that sent shockwaves through her community of Upland and beyond.

Know for her big smile and sense of humor, she will be greatly missed by both family and friends alike. She leaves behind her mother Tammy Smith; sisters Asia Adams, Nija Smith and Joshua Adams as well as grandparents Janet Cobb Keith Cobb Julia Darrel Gillespie as well as uncles Cornelius Cobb Darell Adams Reginad Rainey Arron Carr with niece Kamori Reed Aerie Washington Damony Washington alongside best friend Jaylein Lewis plus many great aunts uncles cousins and friends.

At Troup County Comprehensive High School, she earned first-team all-state football player recognition as well as earning a place on the Georgia Sportswriters Association All-State Team. Aside from excelling on the field, cheerleading was her preferred pastime; additionally she excelled academically while being active with both band and class presidency roles at her school.