Community Mourns the Loss of a Great Star
Jun 26, 2024 01:46PM ● By Ornella RossiElijah began his football journey at the age of six. Photo courtesy of Jonnie Lewis
RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - In the heart of Rancho Cordova, the community gathers in mourning, grappling with the tragic loss of Elijah Wallace, a young man whose vibrant spirit touched the lives of many.
Elijah was fatally shot June 15 in what is believed to be a drive by shooting in Sacramento, according to the Sacramento Police Department. Comments from the Rancho Cordova Police Department were not received by press time.
Elijah’s journey, tragically cut short at the age of 17, resonates not just through his achievements on the football field or his infectious humor but through the indelible mark he left on those who knew him.
From a young age, Elijah showed promise on the football field, a talent nurtured and celebrated by his family.
Starting at just 6 years old, Elijah dedicated himself to the game, eventually becoming a standout running back for Cordova High School. His father, Elijah Wallace Sr., fondly recalls Elijah’s enthusiasm for each football season, where his determination to be the best illuminated his path. Elijah was eagerly anticipating his final year of varsity football at Cordova High.
Number 23, Elijah Wallace, leads the Cordova Lancers onto the football field for the game. Photo courtesy of Jonnie Lewis
“He always strove for Number One and as mentioned was consistently top scorer in basketball and football from 6 years old,” said his aunt, Jonnie Lewis.
Elijah’s influence extended far beyond sports. As the oldest of seven brothers, he embodied leadership, motivating his siblings to follow in his footsteps on and off the field.
“Elijah was a leader among his peers,” Wallace Sr. said. “Someone they looked up to and admired.”
Added Lewis, “My nephew was the oldest of seven boys. That place came with a lot more responsibility than some kids have to bear but he took that role as big brother seriously.”
His family wants the community to remember Elijah “as the goofy kid he was, with a loving personality that shone brightly.” They remember Elijah as an amazing and loyal friend who wasn’t afraid to be himself.
“He was everything I raised him to be,” Wallace Sr. recalled. “It was an honor watching him grow up and I just wish we would have gotten to see him grow older.”
Amidst the uncertainty of the ongoing investigation, the family continues to seek closure and justice. At this time, they have little information about what happened but there is an ongoing police investigation.
In the wake of Elijah’s tragic passing, his family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help alleviate the financial burden of funeral expenses and unforeseen costs. Collaborating with Crossover Church in Rancho Cordova, where Elijah once played basketball, the family is planning a celebration of life, although a date has not yet been set as they continue to gather necessary funds.
When asked what support they needed from the community, Lewis expressed that prayers and any type of support would be greatly appreciated to help them lay Elijah to rest.
“We were all just so proud of him and it hurts. It's hard to know what to say. He was just our wonderful shining star of the family,” she said.
Wallace Sr. shared, “We just want our baby back and we can’t get that. We want all the kids to know once a life is gone, it’s over – something too many kids take for granted.”
Contributions can be made to the GoFundMe campaign at https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-elijah-wallace-jr.
Elijah, the eldest of seven brothers, stands proudly beside his family. Photo courtesy of Jonnie Lewis