Ethan Liming, who was found in the parking lot near the basketball courts of the I Promise School in Akron, Ohio late Thursday night, died due to a blunt force head injury.
A crowd of nearly 500 gathered Friday evening to pay tribute to 17-year-old Ethan Liming, a rising senior at Firestone Community Learning Center who fell victim to violence the night before.
While the sunlight gleamed off scattered clouds and the western sky glowed orange, the mood at the Firestone field was somber. Hundreds stood silently on the Northwest Akron ballfield where Liming had once played with his friends.
From outside the crowd, only the distant sound of traffic, sniffling and tears could be heard as the dusk settled.
Liming was beaten to death Thursday night near the I Promise School on West Market Street in Akron’s West Hill neighborhood. Police said the incident happened after Liming and some friends pulled into the school parking lot, then got into a fight with at least three other males who were on the property playing basketball.
Liming had played baseball and football, and many in the crowd had either been teammates — some since they were young. Fellow students, parents of Liming’s childhood friends and school staff members also were present.
His father, Bill Liming, on Tuesday morning spoke to FOX 8 and urged anyone with information on the suspects to come forward.
“We need someone with courage and confidence. We need you to help our son. We need you to help our family,” Bill Liming said.
“I know we’ve been led to believe it’s a safe and secure place, it is not safe. It is not secure,” he said. “The cameras they have there are grossly insufficient.”
Police said Liming and his friends were involved in a fight that evening with a group of males who were reportedly playing basketball on the property. Liming’s friends reportedly called 911 after the victim was knocked unconscious and beat up.
Liming was pronounced dead at the scene at 400 West Market Street due to severe injuries.
The I Promise School (IPS), it’s a joint effort between the I Promise Network, the LeBron James Family Foundation, and Akron Public Schools. James opened the school for at-risk kids in his hometown of Akron. The school opened its doors on July 30, 2018. Foundation funds “critical elements” of the school, including technology, additional staffing, and professional development.
