They celebrated him Sunday afternoon in frigid temperatures by releasing dozens of balloons — green and black.

Not because Jazmir Tucker lived the perfect life as a brother, son, cousin,  nephew, classmate or teammate. Not because family and friends gathered in front of Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts knew the details of his deadly interaction with Akron police on Thanksgiving night. 

They celebrated Jazmir, a twin, a teenager, a student at North High School, because he was loved by so many. And regardless of blame, the community is now short of another young person who will never reach their full potential.

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On Thursday night, shortly after an Akron police officer and his partner left their vehicle to investigate gunfire near Vernon Odom Boulevard and East Avenue, they encountered Jazmir, 15, with a loaded firearm, according to a statement from the Akron Police Department.

One of the officers fatally shot Jazmir. 

Jazmir Tucker's sister, Princess Green, left, along with two supporters, holds up photos of Jazmir and his twin brother, Amir Tucker.
Jazmir Tucker’s sister, Princess Green, left, along with two supporters, holds up photos of Jazmir and his twin brother, Amir Tucker, in front of Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts on East Avenue. Jazmir, 15, was shot and killed by an Akron police officer on Thanksgiving night. About 100 people gathered in front of the school Sunday for a balloon launch to pay their respects and support his family. (Susan Zake / Signal Akron)

Three days later, dozens hovered together on the Miller South front lawn and shared handshakes and hugs as they took turns explaining their lasting experiences with Jazmir. Some posed with photos of him, while others held candles. 

His older sister, Princess Green, wanted to focus on joyous memories. She said Jazmir will be remembered as someone who always tried to help others out, to a fault. Others remembered him for his love of sports and for water balloon fights with his younger brother.  

Amir Tucker, center, is surrounded by family and friends at a balloon launch to remember his twin brother Jazmir.
Amir Tucker, center, is surrounded by family and friends at a balloon launch to remember his twin brother Jazmir, 15, who was shot and killed by an Akron police officer Thanksgiving evening. About 100 people gathered Sunday in front of Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts on East Avenue, near where Jazmir was killed, to pay their respects and support his family. (Susan Zake / Signal Akron)

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said in a statement the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation will conduct an independent investigation. Malik also asked for “our community to reserve judgment until more facts are shared, knowing that it is a difficult thing to ask in situations like this.”

Green and black balloons surround supporters of the family of Jazmir Tucker.
Green and black balloons surround supporters of the family of Jazmir Tucker, 15, who was shot and killed by an Akron police officer Thanksgiving evening. About 100 people gathered Sunday in front of Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts on East Avenue, near where Jazmir was killed, for a balloon launch and to pay their respects and support his family. (Susan Zake / Signal Akron)

At least one family member on Sunday wondered out loud as he spoke to supporters if his nephew’s shooting death mirrored the killing of Jayland Walker by Akron police on June 27, 2022. 

He vowed to find out.  

Later, as supporters released balloons, sent up with cheers of “We love you Jaz,” one gold-colored balloon shaped as a “J” also flew into the sky. 

Green and black balloons rise into the sky to remember Jazmir Tucker
Green and black balloons rise into the sky Sunday to remember Jazmir Tucker, 15, who was shot and killed by an Akron police officer Thanksgiving evening. About 100 people gathered in front of Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts on East Avenue, near where Jazmir was killed, to pay their respects and support his family. (Susan Zake / Signal Akron)

Managing Editor (he/him)
Gary is returning to Akron after previously working at the Akron Beacon Journal as a sports reporter from 2003 to 2006. He is committed to delivering authoritative, trustworthy journalism that is accessible to everyone. Gary mostly recently worked as a newsroom leader in Clarksville (Tenn.), Murfreesboro (Tenn.) and Nashville, where he was the business, race and culture editor at The Tennessean. He is a native of New Orleans and a product of Southern University and A&M College. In his free time, you can find him cycling, playing paintball and smoking meats.