A 15-year-old boy has died after being shot in the Savan community of St Thomas, United States Virgin Islands, on Friday afternoon.

The victim was identified by his family as Tre’Vante Etienne.

The Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) said the 911 Emergency Call Center received an alert from the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system at about 2:17 p.m. reporting multiple gunshots in the area of Vester Gade.

A short time later, a member of the public reported that a male victim had been injured.

Police officers responded and found Etienne alive but suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken by ambulance to the Roy Lester Schneider Hospital, where medical personnel attempted to save his life.

Despite those efforts, he later died from his injuries.

Police said the investigation remains active and are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact the VIPD Investigation Bureau or Crime Stoppers V.I.

The teenager’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief from officials and residents, including US Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan, who said the loss of a young life had deeply affected the community.

“My heart is heavy. Like so many Virgin Islanders, I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the tragic loss of a 15-year-old child whose life was cut short by senseless gun violence in the Savan community,” Bryan said.

The governor, who grew up in Savan, reflected on the changes he has seen in the neighbourhood, saying he remembered it as a place where families supported each other and children could grow up without fear.

Bryan said addressing youth violence requires more than law enforcement action, calling it a wider community issue involving families, educators, faith leaders and government.

“We cannot allow another generation of children to grow up believing that violence is an inevitable part of life,” he said.

The Virgin Islands Department of Health also extended condolences to Etienne’s family, friends, classmates and teachers, while offering support to those affected by the shooting.

Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion said the death of a young person through gun violence impacts the entire community and encouraged residents to seek support if needed.

“This is a profoundly difficult time for our community,” said Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion. “Our hearts are with Tre’Vante’s family, friends, classmates, and all those who loved and cared for him. We encourage parents, caregivers, educators, and community members to check in with one another, especially our children and young people, and seek support if needed.”

The department’s Behavioral Health Division is providing counselling referrals and emotional support for individuals and families affected by the tragedy.

Officials said exposure to violence can have lasting effects on young people and communities, with residents experiencing grief, fear, anxiety and uncertainty following traumatic events.