Donye Teal Obituary, Death – The family of 17-year-old Donye Teal, a high school senior tragically killed in a shooting at a Stockton house party, is devastated by his untimely death. His father, Vail Teal Sr., described the loss as senseless and heart-wrenching, saying his son was far too young to be taken from this world. The family gathered at the scene of the shooting on E Whitehouse Road in San Joaquin County, where Donye was fatally shot during a violent altercation at the party.
Vail Teal Sr. expressed the emotional toll of visiting the spot where his son lost his life. He explained that it was harder to return to the location, knowing it was the last place Donye had been alive. He shared that Donye had gone to the party to have a good time, but it ended tragically. According to his father, Donye didn’t even want to be there, and the situation escalated unexpectedly.
From what the family understands, Donye’s death occurred when he intervened in a fight that broke out between a group of kids at the party. The altercation involved his cousin, her boyfriend, and others, and when Donye tried to step in and help, the situation quickly turned violent. His brother, Vail Teal Jr., explained that Donye’s attempt to protect his loved ones only made things worse, leading to his death.
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident as a homicide. The family is calling for justice, emphasizing that Donye was a good, kind-hearted young man who did not deserve to die. Vail Teal Jr. clarified that the family does not believe the shooting was related to gang violence, despite the area’s reputation for such issues. Instead, he described Donye as a happy and jovial person who always made others laugh and never took things personally.
Donye was a senior at Pearson Education Center in Modesto, and his family described him as someone who always brought joy to those around him. His unexpected death has left a significant void in their lives, particularly as the family prepares for Thanksgiving without him. Despite the grief, Vail Teal Sr. had a message for those responsible for his son’s death: they should face the consequences of their actions and use the time to reflect and improve themselves.
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about the shooting to come forward and help with the investigation. To assist with funeral and other related expenses, the family has set up a GoFundMe page.