A 23-year-old university baseball player, Jackson Weller, was shot and killed outside a popular club in the Nob Hill district of Albuquerque, N.M. on May 4.
Weller played for the University of New Mexico (UNM) and was off the current roster due to injury, scheduled to return to playing with the team this fall. He was taken to the hospital around 2 a.m. and pronounced dead.
“The loss of Jackson Weller is devastating to the entire Lobo family,” said Eddie Nuñez, UNM Director of Athletics in a news release. “He was a very special young man whose absence will be deeply felt.
“On behalf of Lobo Athletics and The University of New Mexico, I would like to extend our sincerest condolences to his family, friends, teammates and all who knew him—please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Our immediate focus will be on continuing to support all who are affected as they cope with this senseless tragedy.”
Statement from Eddie Nunez regarding the passing of UNM Lobo Baseball player Jackson Weller:“The loss of Jackson…
Posted by The University of New Mexico – UNM on Saturday, May 4, 2019
The Lobos team postponed their weekend games after the news of Weller’s death.
In light of this tragedy the remainder of our weekend series with Air Force has been postponedhttps://t.co/TTEZDcZOc7
— UNM Baseball (@UNMLoboBaseball) May 4, 2019
Community Condolences
Community members offered condolences on Twitter and Facebook.
“Strength Peace & love to the team coaches & his family,” one user posted on Twitter. “What is wrong with our city. The violence has to stop.”
Strength Peace & love to the team coaches & his family. What is wrong with our city. The violence has to stop.
— Frankthetank9 (@jfwilson01) May 4, 2019
Another user posted, “Words cannot express how much you were loved, Jackson. Being able to know you and see the joy you brought to everyone around you was special. Thank you for being the best friend and teammate anyone could ask for.”
Words cannot express how much you were loved, Jackson. Being able to know you and see the joy you brought to everyone around you was special. Thank you for being the best friend and teammate anyone could ask for. Love you, DJ❤️
— Justin Slaten (@JSlaten32) May 4, 2019
Users on Facebook also reached out to express their condolences.
“This is beyond sad,” posted one user. “I can’t imagine the grief his teammates and parents must be feeling.”
“Praying for justice and peace,” said another user on Facebook.
“We were just in class on Wednesday! This is a tragedy,” said a fellow student. “I hope he can rest and find peace. What a tremendous loss. Condolences to the family.”
Statement from Eddie Nunez regarding the passing of UNM Lobo Baseball player Jackson Weller:“The loss of Jackson…
Posted by The University of New Mexico – UNM on Saturday, May 4, 2019
Gone Too Soon
On his Twitter account, Weller expressed his enthusiasm for joining the team on July 2, 2018.
Weller tweeted, “Happy to say @UNMLoboBaseball is where I’ll be continuing my career! Go Lobos!”
Happy to say @UNMLoboBaseball is where I’ll be continuing my career! Go Lobos! pic.twitter.com/IyYmE9MdKw
— Jackson Weller (@Big_Jack23) July 2, 2018
A wreath on Weller’s jersey can be seen in the Lobos locker room in a post made by the team.
#ForeverALobo pic.twitter.com/fnda3JC45Z
— UNM Baseball (@UNMLoboBaseball) May 4, 2019
Albuquerque Mayor, Tim Keller posted on Twitter, “UNM and all its students are a vital part of the Albuquerque family. I am saddened and angered by the news that a student’s life was taken last night. I am getting updates regularly from APD as they work hard to solve this case and bring the killer to justice.”
UNM and all its students are a vital part of the Albuquerque family. I am saddened and angered by the news that a student’s life was taken last night. I am getting updates regularly from APD as they work hard to solve this case and bring the killer to justice. @ABQPOLICE @UNM
— Mayor Tim Keller (@MayorKeller) May 4, 2019
The investigation into Weller’s death is still ongoing, and no suspects have yet been identified.
