Tragic Loss of a Promising Future: 16-year-old Claudia Quaatey's Dream of Becoming a Nurse Cut Short by Fatal Shooting in New York City

Claudia Quaatey, only 14 years old, made the courageous decision to establish her own hair braiding business out of her residence in New York. This initiative was taken as she aimed to financially sustain herself while pursuing a career in nursing.

Claudia's strong dedication to her future surpassed her young age, as she had her life meticulously planned out, with aspirations to attend Howard University. Her mother, Marian Abbey, remarked, "She had a clear vision for tomorrow, unlike any of her siblings."

In order to accommodate the numerous clients seeking her skilled hair braiding services, she transformed her basement in Jamaica, Queens into a dedicated area for hair braiding. Eventually, her parents had to intervene and restrict the amount of time she spent on her side business to ensure she prioritized her education.

Despite being just a sophomore in high school, she was already saving money for a car to support her future relocation to Washington, DC. Her ultimate aspiration was to attend a prestigious historically Black university in the capital.

"I would never change anything about Claudia," Abbey said. "Claudia was not perfect, but Claudia was exactly what I prayed for."

Claudia Quaatey and her mother, Marian Abbey.

Courtesy Marian Abbey

Claudia will never have the opportunity to set foot on Howard University's campus, pursue a nursing career, purchase her first car, or fulfill her aspirations of making a positive impact in her parents' homeland of Ghana. Tragically, on the evening of May 10th, the 16-year-old sustained a gunshot wound to her head in the St. Albans neighborhood of Queens, according to the New York Police Department. A reliable source in law enforcement disclosed that Claudia was shot while seated in the rear passenger seat of a vehicle.

to help combat it and protect the lives of individuals like Claudia:

1. Get involved in local advocacy groups that work towards gun control measures.

2. Contact your elected representatives and express your support for stricter gun laws.

3. Educate yourself and others on safe gun storage and responsible firearm ownership.

4. Support organizations dedicated to providing resources and support for victims of gun violence.

The police reported that an individual, along with two others who were wearing face masks and hooded sweatshirts, shot at the teenager and then escaped on foot. Approximately one month later, the NYPD shared a surveillance video on social media of the three individuals walking on a sidewalk, appealing for assistance from the public. In exchange for any information, a reward of up to $10,000 was offered. Despite ongoing investigations, no arrests have been made at this time, according to a law enforcement official who spoke with CNN.

(Note: The name "Claudia Quaatey" mentioned in the instruction was not included in the fragment content given.)

Died May 11 in Queens, New York, police said

The 16-year-old was saving up for a car and nursing school

A favorite show: Netflixs "You"

Donated to people in her familys native country of Ghana

Had plans to braid a friends hair the night of the shooting

No arrests have been made and investigation is ongoing, law enforcement official said

According to the Gun Violence Archive, Claudia was among over 1,300 children and teenagers who lost their lives to firearms in the US in 2023. Federal data reveals that guns became the primary cause of children's fatalities in the United States in 2020. As for Claudia's father, he continues to grapple with the incomprehensible loss of his daughter and the senseless nature of gun violence.

"I keep feeling like I'm trapped in a nightmare, but this goes even beyond unimaginable suffering," lamented Albert Quaatey. "Every morning, I wake up with a hollow emptiness... There isn't a single day when tears don't stream down my face."

Within his mind, her father envisions the joyous sight of her radiant smile, bidding him farewell before she sets off from home.

"Shes always smiling. Thats one thing about her," he said. "She had a whole future, and she has been deprived of life."

She was robbed of her life

Claudia dreamed of becoming a nurse and wanted to continue giving back to her family's home country of Ghana.

Born in New York City to Christian Ghanaian parents, Claudia developed into a compassionate and nurturing individual from a young age. Her innate inclination to assist others led her to pursue a career in nursing.

She frequently visited her parents' homeland in West Africa, where she would generously donate clothing, shoes, and provide assistance with feeding the children.

"Whenever she encountered someone in need, she always made an effort to offer them support," her mother, Abbey, shared.

When Claudia's relatives and friends in Ghana witnessed Americans visiting the country, her mother mentioned that they tended to distance themselves from Ghanaian children, presuming they were superior. However, Claudia's behavior differed.

"Claudia actively engages and interacts with them," her mother stated, emphasizing that Claudia frequently displayed generosity by selflessly giving away her own belongings.

Additionally, she had a profound impact on those dearest to her, particularly her closest companion, Keon Anderson.

"Her support kept me motivated in my academic pursuits," shared Keon with CNN. "She would remove my phone and urge me to concentrate."

Keon and Claudia crossed paths in their first year at Queens High School of Teaching during a math class. Instantly forming a strong bond, their connection grew deeper as they discovered that they shared the majority of their classes the year after. The highlight of their educational journey was undoubtedly their beloved English class, led by their favorite teacher, whom they occasionally shared lunchtime with.

Living just a few blocks away from each other, commuting together became a daily routine for both Keon and Claudia. Their friendship extended beyond the classroom, as they often found themselves spending hours on FaceTime, engrossed in watching the popular show "You." And, of course, laughter filled their days, with an abundance of inside jokes shared between them.

Instead of meeting Claudia to go to school together this year, Keon starts his day by dedicating a few minutes every morning to pray for his best friend. He gazes at a small memorial on his windowsill, where he sees a picture of Claudia with a radiant smile. The picture is accompanied by a white candle and a crystal-like angel ornament, encasing a beautiful indigo-colored rose.

A small heart-shaped glass sculpture beside her photo has this inscription:

Those we love dont go away

They walk beside us every day

An at-home memorial for Claudia Quaatey at her best friend's home in Queens, New York.

Courtesy Roberta Anderson

Keon, a 16-year-old, longs for the conversations, jokes, and exchanged memes with Claudia. Not a single day passes without him thinking about her. He expresses his sorrow, stating that she was unjustly deprived of her life and did not deserve such a tragic fate.

Keon came across the news of a 16-year-old girl being shot on May 10, but her identity remained unknown, he recollected. The next day, as he was heading to school, Keon received a call from his mother instructing him to return home. Upon his arrival, his mother broke the devastating news of Claudia's passing.

"It completely shocked me. I couldn't stop the tears," expressed Keon to CNN.

Keon has been receiving therapy at school while navigating through his grief, and he acknowledges that it has helped him in managing his emotions.

Initially, Roberta Anderson, Keon's mother, contemplated transferring him to another school due to worries about the distressing memories. However, the school's comprehensive mental and emotional support system has had an immense impact on Keon's well-being, leading her to reconsider.

"As parents, we perceive the school as an extension of our own family. However, during this period, they have proven to me and other parents that they don't consider themselves as merely an external family; they treat us as their own family. Moreover, they treat the children in their schools as if they were their own children," Anderson expressed.

"They have displayed an immense amount of care and dedication to this situation, surpassing any expectations I may have had."

Read other profiles of children who have died from gunfire

She was a nurturer

Claudia, in her brief 16 years of life, transformed into an individual who effortlessly brought joy through her clever humor. However, she was equally focused on meticulously preparing for her future.

"Claudia possessed a nurturing spirit. Her passion resided in a profession that involved caring for others, and that was exactly her aspiration," Anderson remarked of Claudia. "She adored lending a hand to people in need."

And she came from a hard-working family who also helped people: Her father is a construction worker, and her mother is a medical assistant.

Claudia enjoyed playing basketball and running her own hair braiding business.

Courtesy Marian Abbey

Living with her parents and four brothers, she was praised by her brothers for her determination. They expressed admiration for her openness and ability to foster collaboration. They admired her courage in speaking her mind at a young age, which inspired and grounded them. Despite the dominance of males in the household, she never let it affect her and refused to let anyone diminish her brilliance. Her brothers vowed to follow her example.

Claudia's family and loved ones understand that bringing her back is impossible. However, they believe that attaining justice could provide some solace for this senseless crime.

"Knowing that the person responsible will not be allowed to roam freely while Claudia is buried six feet under is a small comfort," remarked her mother when discussing apprehending the killer. "Claudia's soul will only find peace once everyone is held accountable."

CNNs Mark Morales contributed to this report.