On Saturday night a basketball tournament was held to honor the life of a Springfield resident who died in a car crash three years ago. 22News spoke to organizers of the tournament who want to help prevent future tragedies on the road. Their message is “Keep Drivers Safe” following Kevin Shippy’s death.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – On Saturday night a basketball tournament was held to honor the life of a Springfield resident who died in a car crash three years ago. 22News spoke to organizers of the tournament who want to help prevent future tragedies on the road. Their message is “Keep Drivers Safe” following Kevin Shippy’s death.
Dozens of people came out to the Basketball Hall of Fame to show their outpouring of support for this cause. It has been three years since Kevin Shippy of Springfield was tragically killed in a car crash. Now his loved ones are remembering and celebrating his life through the sport that he loved the most.
“It’s a good feeling to see he’s getting the love back he deserves,” added cousin of Kevi Shippy, Darnell Jones.
“He was a sunshine to the community,” expressed Kevin’s Mother, Veronica Shippy.
On what would have been his 30th birthday, the third Annual Kevin Shippy Basketball Fundraiser Tournament held at the Basketball Hall of Fame is turning this tragedy into a mission; to make sure everyone, especially young drivers, are practicing safe driving habits behind the wheel.
This tournament pays tribute to Shippy and what he loved while serving as a vehicle to raise awareness about car accidents and their tragic effects on young adults, and their families.
“I don’t want a mom going through what I went through,” Veronica Shippy
“Slow down. You can definitely put on a seat belt,” said Melissa Gray, the Chief Financial Officer of the Kevin Shippy Foundation. “you can pay attention to the people around you and you have to be mindful for not just your life but for those around you.”
A portion of the proceeds from this tournament goes towards support groups for those suffering from from the pain and loss of a loved one in a motor vehicle accident. It also supports children who want to pursue their passions in basketball or performing arts.
“He loved basketball, he loved music he was really into the community itself,” added Gray.
A 5th grader at the event from Frederick Harris Elementary School received $275 dollars to pursue his passion of basketball.
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Kayleigh Thomas is a digital reporter who has been a part of the 22News team since 2022. Follow Kayleigh on X @kayleighcthomas and view her bio to see more of her work.