EDITOR'S NOTE: This story is from October, 2014
Friends and family are mourning a popular dirt bike rider who was shot and killed in Southwest Philadelphia.
On Tuesday police were called to the 2100 block of South 60th Street after receiving a report of a person with a gun. When they arrived they found Kyrell Tyler, 23, inside a black Chevrolet Monte Carlo parked at the location. Tyler had been shot several times in the head, neck and torso, according to investigators. He was taken to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania where he was pronounced dead at 1:32 p.m.
Tyler was a popular figure in Philadelphia’s dirt bike riding community. Several videos of Tyler performing stunts on his dirt bike were posted on YouTube. He also had an extensive following on social media websites such as Instagram and Vine. This was the last message Tyler posted on his Instagram page before his death:
After news of Tyler’s death surfaced, several rumors spread online claiming he was shot and killed by a police officer. Philadelphia Police Lieutenant John Stanford denied the rumors, calling them “completely inaccurate.”
“We don't know where or how this inaccurate information developed but we certainly want to make sure we dispel this false rumor and provide the accurate information,” Stanford said.
No arrests have been made and police have not released a description of any suspects. A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
A candlelight vigil for Tyler will be held 7 p.m. Thursday at 48th Street and Westminster Avenue.
