I am deeply saddened to share the tragic story of the senseless death of Bryce Gerlach, the beloved senior athlete from Corydon Central High School. On October 12, 2024, an innocent bystander at the New Albany Harvest Homecoming Festival fatally shot the 18-year-old, a kicker for the Panthers football team and a member of the soccer squad.
This devastating loss has shaken the Corydon community to its core, yet their outpouring of support and tributes to Bryce’s memory have been truly inspiring. Bryce’s favorite color, blue, filled the stands at the school’s senior night football game as the community united to honor their fallen student-athlete.
Athletic Director John Atkins described Bryce as “so much more than just a superb student-athlete”—he was a “great person” who was “respectful” and the “kind of kid that coaches love to coach.” Those who knew him best, including his close friend Tanner Chumly, echoed this sentiment, describing Bryce’s actions during the shooting as “very selfless” and describing him as a “hero.”
The Corydon Central team took the field one man short, laying down Bryce’s jersey next to the tee he used for kickoffs before taking a delayed game penalty. Bryce’s brother, Owen Gerlach, wore his sibling’s number 12 jersey as the backup kicker, a poignant tribute to the fallen athlete.
The outpouring of support extended far beyond the Corydon community, with the opposing team, Silver Creek High School, helping with fundraisers for the Gerlach family. Teams across the Mid-Southern Conference also showed their solidarity by placing “12” stickers on their helmets.
New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey has vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, while Mayor Jeff Gahan has condemned the senseless gun violence that has become all too common in the United States. Bryce’s father, in the midst of his unimaginable grief, emphasized that “good and love will triumph,” a testament to the resilience and hope that can arise from even the darkest of times.
As the Corydon community gathers to lay Bryce to rest, the legacy he leaves behind is one of compassion, leadership, and a deep commitment to his team and his peers. Superintendent Mark Eastridge shared that the school is planning a senior night memorial to honor Bryce’s life and accomplishments, ensuring that his memory will continue to inspire and guide those who knew him best.
In the face of this tragic loss, the Corydon community has rallied together, united in their grief and their determination to honor Bryce Gerlach’s memory. Despite the shortening of this young man’s life, his spirit will endure, serving as a beacon of kindness, bravery, and the unbreakable bonds of community.