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Friends mourn the loss of beloved football coach shot and killed in attempted QT carjacking on Peachtree Parkway
Friends tell FOX 5 Atlanta's Rob DiRienzo that Bradley Coleman, the man identified in the attempted carjacking at the QuikTrip in Norcross, was the type of guy to light up a room when he walked in. Authorities are still searching for the suspects who shot Coleman to death.
GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - Friends, family, and the Gwinnett community are mourning the death of a beloved football coach, father, and friend who officials say was shot and killed at the QT on Peachtree Parkway in connection to an attempted carjacking.
Medical examiners in Gwinnett County identified Bradley Coleman, 29, of Norcross as the victim in the incident.
Coleman was shot and killed on Sunday after authorities say he was trying to stop his car from being stolen while putting air into his tires at the QuikTrip on Peachtree Parkway.
A GoFundMe has already been set up by Brooke Watson to support his daughter.
A biography within the Go Fund Me stated that Coleman "graduated from Norcross high school & won Mr. Norcross 2011, won Norcross High School State Basketball Championship, played football in Louisiana, and came back to Georgia to coach high school football."
Friends and family of Coleman are shaken up and have since spoke out about his death on social media stating that he was "an incredible person, coach, and father."
Coleman played football at Southern University in Louisiana and friends say he impacted everyone he came in contact with.
Coleman’s longtime friend Reid Sanders, who played with him at Southern University, spoke with Rob DiRienzo and said Coleman was back home in Gwinnett to visit over the weekend.
"If I would’ve known I wouldn’t have a chance to talk to him again, I would have told him how much I loved him," Sanders told DiRienzo, holding back tears. "He was just one of the most genuine guys, nice people. Always had a smile on his face. Brought the energy."
Sanders was just one of many who have continued to share loving stories and words about Coleman and the legacy he left behind.
Nikki Jackson shared a heartfelt message to shine a light on the life Coleman lived in the GoFundMe comments.
"An amazing father, friend, son, and mentor. Brad has always been there for anyone that needed him or just a word of advice. He spoiled his daughter, he showed her what the true definition of a great man is. He didn’t believe in a limit. He was great at everything he did and exceeded so many expectations. To his family, everything he did was for y’all. Brad has left a legacy behind. He inspired us to start businesses, spend more time with our families, laugh a little more, network, and to never stop at the finish line, that there is always room for more. Forever in our hearts and prayers, may his spirit continue to live on forever , Hallowed be Thy name, Amen"
FOX 5 Atlanta's Rob DiRienzo was on the scene at the Quiktrip on Monday where he captured photo of a "makeshift memorial" made by loved ones to honor the life of Coleman.
Sanders said his friend leaves behind a young daughter.
Police are still searching for the carjackers, who sped off in the black four-door sedan they showed up in, as they did not have a clearer description of the car or the suspects.