What happened to Zion Williams?
Zion Williams, a 20-year-old aspiring professional skateboarder, passed away on June 19, as confirmed by his family.
Despite being blinded in both eyes after being shot in the face, Williams maintained his passion for skateboarding and was on his way to becoming a well-known figure in San Francisco’s skateboarding community.
Williams, who had a deep love for skateboarding from a young age, was mastering tricks by the age of 10.
Despite losing his sight, he remained determined to pursue his dream of becoming a professional skateboarder.
In the year following the shooting, Williams made remarkable progress, relearning skateboarding tricks and discussing his ambitions to expand his grip tape company and travel the world.
Described as someone with unmatched perseverance, Williams continued to embody the spirit of skateboarding.
Netizens, family pay tribute to Zion Williams on Twitter
His friends and family admired his dedication and passion for the sport.
He was a role model in their friend group, even though he was often the youngest among them.
Williams and his close friend, Matt Madden, had plans to move to Los Angeles together and further their skateboarding careers.
Despite the challenges he faced, Williams maintained an energetic and positive demeanor.
He adapted his skateboarding style, using a cane and music as tools to orient himself during sessions.
Rather than succumbing to depression, he embraced the opportunity to skate blind and even achieved new feats, capturing them on video.
Williams had gained recognition in the skateboarding community, with his accomplishments featured in Thrasher Magazine, and he had received interest from Vans for potential partnerships.
He was highly regarded as a prominent figure at Waller Street Skate Park and played a significant role in advocating for its improvements.
The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department expressed sadness upon hearing about Williams’ passing, describing him as a legendary skateboarder and a dedicated advocate for skate park enhancements.
Born on June 26, 2002, in San Francisco, Williams spent his childhood in the Bronx, New York.
He was an active child involved in various sports, but his true passion lay in skateboarding.
Williams saw skateboarding as a form of therapy and immersed himself in the sport, dedicating himself to becoming a professional skateboarder.
Williams’ life took a tragic turn on Labor Day in 2021 when he was shot by Ronald Melbourne after a verbal altercation in the Lower Haight neighborhood.
The incident resulted in the loss of his sight. Melbourne has been charged with attempted murder and is awaiting a preliminary hearing.
Throughout his journey, Williams displayed resilience and forgiveness, not harboring resentment towards the person responsible for the shooting.
However, the weight of the incident began to impact him emotionally as he contemplated the things he would never see in the future.
Williams’ passing occurred just a week before his 21st birthday, leaving behind cherished memories and inspiring many with his indomitable spirit.
He is survived by his mother, Charmaine Williams; his father, Travelle Gaines; his aunts Natalie Frayer, Kimberly Stitt, and Geanelle Mixon; his half-brother, Marley Gaines; his grandmother, Renee Ricks; and his grandparents, Lorraine and Ernest Gaines.
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