The Lexington, Kentucky, community is mourning the tragic death of 16-year-old Di-Zhon Robertson, who was killed in a shooting at Charles Young Park during the East End Days event on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
According to the Fayette County Coroner’s Office, Robertson died at approximately 7:10 p.m. at UK Hospital Emergency Room from a fatal gunshot wound. His death was ruled a homicide.
The shooting happened at approximately 6:48 p.m., when Lexington police responded to the area of Charles Young Park and located five shooting victims. Four other people were injured and transported to a local hospital, with their injuries reported as non-life-threatening.
Remembering Di-Zhon Robertson
News of Robertson’s death has left family members, friends and members of the Lexington community heartbroken.
A community member expressed the pain of losing Robertson, particularly because of his young age and the future that was taken from him. The shooting also affected hundreds of people who were attending the event when the violence occurred.
Robertson was a student at Success Academy and had previously attended Bryan Station High School, according to local reports. Fayette County Public Schools expressed sadness over his death and said mental health specialists, counselors and support teams would be available to students and staff affected by the tragedy.
Charles Young Park Shooting Investigation
Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers said the investigation remains active as detectives work to determine who was responsible for the shooting.
Police have asked anyone with information to contact Lexington Police. The incident has prompted widespread concern in the community, particularly because women and children were present at the event when the shooting occurred.
Community leaders have also called for support for those traumatized by the shooting. A mental health and trauma support effort is being organized for people affected by the incident.
For those who knew Di-Zhon, his death represents the loss of a young life with a future that should have included many more years, experiences and memories.
His family, friends, classmates and the wider Lexington community are now left to grieve and remember him while authorities continue searching for answers.
May Di-Zhon Robertson rest in peace. May his family, friends and everyone affected by this tragedy find strength and comfort during this difficult time.