Heartbroken Mother, Ranessha Bell Speaks As Irvington High School Mourns The Tragic Death Of Football Star Ziyad Cook
Cook was waiting outside of his grandfather's home, near Brookdale Avenue, with a friend when a gunman came up and shot them both.
July 1, 2026
This article was last updated by Manoj Gadtaula on July 1, 2026
Ziyad Cook’s mother, Ranessha Bell, is living with unimaginable hurt after losing her older son to tragedy.
Ziyad Cook, a high school football star, in a horrific shooting at the age of 16 on Thursday, June 26, 2026. He was shot just before 6 p.m. in Newark’s West Ward.
The Irvington school announced on Monday, June 30, 2026, that a standout high school football player, Ziyad, was fatally shot in Newark.
As per Essex County authorities, two juveniles were shot near 227 Brookdale Avenue. Both were transported to the hospital.
Cook was waiting outside of his grandfather’s home, near Brookdale Avenue, with a friend when a gunman came up and shot them both.
Ziyad was pronounced dead later that evening at 9:19 p.m., while the second teenager remains hospitalized in critical condition.
However, the authorities have not released details regarding the motive or suspects involved, and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Task Force is actively investigating the case.
The Irvington School superintendent, Dr. April Vauss, ,
“He had a unique ability to uplift those around him,” “Ziyad’s legacy will forever be remembered throughout the Irvington school community, and his impact will resonate for generations to come.”
Irvington High School students released balloons on Monday, displaying the school colors and Cook’s uniform number.
Ziyad Cook’s Parents Are Devastated By The Tragic Death Of Their Son
Born in 2009, Ziyad Cook was raised by his , Ranessha Bell, and his father, whose identity has not been revealed.
His parents have always supported him in achieving his football dreams.
Currently, Ranessha is mourning the death of her son, Ziyad.
Ranessha recently met with Ziyad’s football teammates to encourage them to stay strong and thanked them for their support of her. They also handed her Ziyad’s football jersey.
During the interview, she ,
“Receiving this jersey from Irvington High School meant the world to me. My son wore this jersey for 1 season, he was getting it again for his last season. This was going to be his senior year here,”
Ranessha also said Ziyad was the light of her eyes and was proud of his Irvington High Blue Knights football teammates and his many other friends, who she says will always be a part of her life.
Bell added,
“I won’t miss a game and I’m gonna wear my son’s jersey to every single game and I’m going to cheer them on no matter if we lose or we win I will be in the stands cheering them on,”
According to Ranessha’s official handle, she grew up with her sister, Helena Bell, who lives in Newark, New Jersey, United States.
High School Football Star Ziyad Cook Grew Up With His One Young Brother
A football player at Irvington High School, Ziyad Cook, has one younger brother, Lilzy, whose Instagram username is.
Cook’s brother makes frequent appearances on his mother, Ranessha’s, social media handle.
According to the source, Cook’s brother plays basketball for Battle Tested, wearing jersey number 10.
He also plays football for the Brick City Lions 11u.
Recently, Cook’s brother took to his and posted a photo wearing the jersey of his brother, Ziyad, as a tribute.
Currently, he is also mourning the tragic death of his supportive brother, Ziyad Cook.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- As a junior in the 2026 season, Ziyad helped lead Irvington to a 4-4 overall record and a 3-2 mark in league play, earning them third place in the standings and a state ranking of #121.
- During his sophomore campaign in 2026, he made significant contributions to a stronger season that culminated in a 6-5 record, second in the league, and a state ranking of #45.
- Check other Articles on
Rohit Maharjan is a skilled content writer and editor, known for his expertise in crafting engaging and informative written pieces. Beyond his professional work, Rohit is also a passionate musician, dedicating his free time to playing the guitar and creating melodious tunes.
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