Police are investigating after a man who friends say was a youth football coach was shot and killed at a Fort Lauderdale park Thursday night.
The shooting happened at Mills Pond Park at 2201 Northwest 9th Avenue just before 9 p.m., Fort Lauderdale Police said.
Friends said the man, identified as 43-year-old Dave Williams, was a volunteer coach for the Fort Lauderdale Hurricanes 7 and under team, which is part of the Florida Youth Football League.
The friends said Williams was shot and killed in front of players and other coaches as they were preparing the field and facility for homecoming weekend.
When officers arrived, they found Williams suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He died on the way to the hospital.
Police said Williams was approached by several black males, who were seen running from the area after the shooting.
No other information was immediately known.
Friends said Williams, who most called Coach Dave, was the kind of guy everyone liked.
"He's friendly, like if you don't know him and the you get to know him then you will love him," Cristal Christie said. "He's cool, he's wonderful, but I don't know, things just happen. I pray for his family, his dad is really good too, his dad is awesome."
A candlelight vigil was planned at the park Friday night beginning at 7 p.m.
Anyone with information is asked to call Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.
