Early Morning Gunfire Leaves 17-Year-Old Woodlawn HS Football Player Unresponsive in South End Apartment

Reginald Pope played as both wide receiver and defensive end at Woodlawn High School and was set to graduate in 2026.

July 29, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on July 29, 2026

A rising football player, Reginald Pope, passed away in a tragic shooting at the age of 17 that took place in Birmingham’s Gate City neighborhood on Friday, July 25, 2025.

Meanwhile, Birmingham police are investigating an incident that occurred in a public housing complex. 

Reginald Pope is survived by his father, Reginald Pope Sr., and siblings. Following his tragic demise, his father shared his pictures and penned:

Im so lost right now but Lord keep me. Im thinking about the time we missed and the times we had. Forever my baby boy. RIH my son. I love you

Reportedly, it was around 8:30 a.m. when police were called to the 7500 block of 67th Courtway South after reports of a person being shot.

When officers arrived, they found Reginald Pope unresponsive with a gunshot wound inside an apartment. Later, Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service pronounced him dead at the scene.

Police initially called the incident a homicide but later classified it as an unclassified death.

At the moment, investigators are still working to determine whether the shooting was intentional or accidental. They believe several people were inside the apartment when the shot was fired.

A witness or person of interest has been taken to Birmingham Police Headquarters for questioning.

Officer De’Rell Freeman described the situation as “very unfortunate” and said the police are doing their best to find out what happened.

“As police officers, we can’t be everywhere at all times, but we do hope and pray that we can get to the bottom of this situation,” Freeman added.

The investigation is ongoing as police continue to gather information about the events leading to Reginald Pope’s death.

Reginald was a standout senior athlete at Woodlawn High School, set to graduate in 2026.

Wearing jersey #80, he played as both wide receiver (WR) and defensive end (DE) for the Woodlawn Varsity Football team.

Reginald’s teacher, Kathi Breion Johnson, expressed her grief, writing:

RIP Reginald Pope…I thank God for our encounter as teacher and student. He was one of kind, had a smile that lit up the room & a laughter that rung through the halls of WHS. Praying for his family & friends.

Likewise, Woodlawn High School also penned a brief eulogy and expressed grief and pain in his loss.

On behalf of our Woodlawn High School family, it is with heavy hearts, we extend our deepest condolences to the family of Reginald Pope, rising senior and football player at Woodlawn High School.
His light, laughter, and legacy will forever be a part of the Woodlawn family. We stand with his family in love, strength, and prayer. ❤️💚💛🙏🏽

Thus far, details of Reginald Pope’s funeral services have yet to be published by his family.

During this difficult time, we pray for the strength of his parents, siblings, friends, teammates, and extended family.

Rest In Heavenly Peace, Reginald Pope!

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Aditi is an avid music lover whose interest's goes beyond the realm of music, with passion in digital marketing. A Gen Z who loves her personal space and is keen to exploring new things. An optimist who seeks silver lining in every circumstances life throws at her.

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