Tragedy Strikes Famous Musical Family: Gunman's Approach at Stop Light
A promising young musician's bright future is abruptly shattered when he becomes a victim of a drive-by shooting This tragic incident cuts short the life of Revell Andrews, a recent high school graduate with immense talent and potential
They had never truly found a competent tuba player.
The renowned music dynasty of New Orleans naturally consisted of skilled trumpeters, trombonists, saxophonists, and drummers. However, the sousaphone, a large circular tuba, stands out. It demands ample airflow and tends to intimidate young children, not exactly being associated with coolness. Nevertheless, even as a timid adolescent, Revell Andrews recognized the significance of this instrument's steadfast role in the brass band compositions performed by his family members on a daily basis, whether in the local streets, clubs, or on global stages.
Revell's cousin, Derrick Tabb, fondly recalls, "When there was a need in the family, Revell would always step forward and choose the tuba as his instrument." "Interestingly, it always seemed to be the instrument that everyone required."
Theres another thing about the tuba, though, Tabb said: "You immediately know the difference if you have one there and you dont."
And now, stunningly, they dont.
Revell Andrews
Courtesy Katy Reckdahl
Not since Revell, 18, was fatally shot while riding in an SUV one Monday afternoon in June, just weeks after his graduation from McDonogh 35 Senior High School.
He had been hanging out with a small group of close friends, who were very tightly-knit and constantly in touch through a group text and by tracking each other's locations on their phones. They would gather together after finishing their summer jobs, as mentioned by Katy Reckdahl, the mother of one of the boys in the group. She opened her home to Revell when his father, a trombonist, was away on tour.
To learn about other children who have lost their lives due to gun violence, please read additional profiles.
According to a police report, three children in Reckdahls Jeep stopped at a gas station near the French Quarter. Shortly after they left around 2:45 p.m., a 14-year-old suspect followed them in another vehicle, as stated by a New Orleans homicide detective who testified based on witness accounts and surveillance footage. While on the road, the underage driver allegedly fired a gunshot through their car window, fatally shooting Revell in the face. This tragic incident adds to the statistics showing that firearms are a leading cause of death among young people in the United States, according to federal data. CNN has contacted the Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office for further information.
Thats my sons shoes
Revell relocated to Mississippi with his family after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans when he was not even a year old. Revert "Peanut" Andrews, his father, mentioned that when he returned to the Louisiana music scene, Revell would often accompany him to performances and second line street parades in their native 6th Ward. Andrews fondly recalls how everyone referred to Revell as his twin.Revell's father had warned him about the pervasive violence in their neighborhood when he returned for high school. Despite this, Revell actively participated in his community, even assisting in the production of a YouTube video alongside his cousin Glen David Andrews. In the video, Glen advocates for prioritizing education and putting an end to the rampant killings in New Orleans.
7th Ward, 6th Ward, 8th Ward
Stop the killing.
More about Revell Andrews
⢠Died June 26
⢠Age 18
⢠Shot in the face around 2:45 p.m. while riding in a Jeep, police and his family said
- A 14-year-old suspect, accused of second-degree murder and other charges, is currently detained on a $250,000 bond as the city prosecutor aims to transfer the case from juvenile court to adult court, stated CNN affiliate WDSU.
- The Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office has refused to comment or release records relating to the case, citing a state law that protects juvenile records. Similarly, the police department declined to provide additional records, invoking the same law.
"Our small group had a realistic understanding of the city and its alarming gun violence," Reckdahl, a local journalist, expressed in a tribute to Revell in the city's newspaper. "They purposely chose to remain at home and avoid trouble. They desired more from life. However, at the most fundamental level, they simply wanted to survive."
Andrews didn't have an issue with his son spending hours playing video games, as he knew it kept Revell, his girlfriend, and their friends safely indoors. He also recognized his son's academic excellence and the potential for him to attend college and join its marching band. Additionally, Andrews couldn't praise enough the efforts Revell was putting into learning an instrument.
"We never had a sousaphone player," Andrews said. As for a favorite song, Revell "was trying to learn them all."
"I know the sky was the limit for him," he said later.
Andrews and other individuals were aware that Revell, the second-youngest among four brothers, was not someone who just followed others, as they stated.
"That was one of the initial aspects that amazed me about Revell," mentioned Tabb, who manages the Roots of Music program, which provides assistance to numerous at-risk children annually. "Most young musicians nowadays...simply connect and start playing; he, on the other hand, would attend other people's performances... and patiently wait to be invited."
Indeed, Revell possessed maturity, humility, and a calm demeanor - Reckdahl described him as "an elderly individual trapped in a youthful physique."
"I have never witnessed Revell express anger or raise his voice, or engage in any physical altercation. I cannot recall a single instance," Andrews expressed his bewilderment at Revell's tragic fate. Regardless, he pondered, "Should one confine individuals indefinitely?"
Revell Andrews' friends at his grave site.
After his father's passing, Revell's father gathered acceptance letters from colleges that were unaware their offers had become obsolete, according to him. While in Revell's room, Andrews stumbled upon a pair of his son's sneakers - specifically, a pair of Jordan 1s - and tried them on, inserting his toe.
"It fits perfect," he said of the 10 1/2s. "I didnt even know his foot had got to that size."
Now, hes keeping them. And wearing them. And telling anyone who asks: "Thats my sons shoes."
Andrews intends to preserve the letters, as well as numerous photographs and videos of Revell, which were shared by his cousins and friends, capturing the joyful moments of his youth. Tabb described this period not as a "loss," but rather as a meaningful journey.
Within these images, Revell modestly grins, warmly embraces his companions, dances freely in the streets, and passionately immerses himself in timeless music.
