Anthony Rangel, 19, Fatally Shot at Fort Worth Party: Community Devastated, Fundraiser Launched Amid Deep Mourning

FORT WORTH, TX — June 17, 2025 — A solemn cloud of grief has settled over Fort Worth as friends, family, and the wider community grapple with the tragic and senseless death of 19-year-old Anthony Rangel. The young man, full of promise and hope for the future, was shot and killed during what was supposed to be a joyful celebration. Now, instead of dancing, laughter, and memories made, there are tears, silence, and a community trying to make sense of the devastating loss.

The incident occurred late Saturday night into the early hours of Sunday morning at a house party in Fort Worth. What began as a social gathering quickly escalated into a violent and deadly encounter. According to witnesses, the atmosphere shifted abruptly when an altercation broke out among a group of attendees. In a matter of moments, gunfire erupted—striking Anthony fatally. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but despite the best efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries.

The Shooting: Chaos in the Midst of Celebration

Authorities responded quickly to reports of shots fired. When Fort Worth police officers arrived at the scene, they were met with chaos—dozens of frightened partygoers fleeing the area, vehicles speeding away, and a handful of witnesses desperately trying to administer aid. The exact sequence of events leading up to the shooting remains under investigation, but preliminary information suggests that the shooting may have stemmed from a dispute between individuals who were not invited guests.

Law enforcement officials are continuing to gather witness statements, review security and cell phone footage, and piece together what transpired during the moments before shots rang out. While no arrests have been made as of this writing, police have confirmed that they are pursuing leads and urging anyone with knowledge about the incident to come forward. Community members have echoed that call for cooperation, emphasizing that justice must be served—not just for Anthony’s family, but for the safety of all young people in Fort Worth.

“We’re determined to find out who did this and why,” said a spokesperson for the Fort Worth Police Department. “This young man had his whole life ahead of him. The person responsible will be held accountable.”

A Promising Life Cut Tragically Short

Those who knew Anthony remember him as a kind, hardworking, and loyal young man. Described by friends as someone who “always showed up,” he had recently begun forging a path toward his future—taking steps to build a life for himself and support his family. Whether helping out neighbors, working part-time jobs, or spending time with younger relatives, Anthony was seen as a steady and caring presence.

“He always had a smile,” one close friend recalled. “Even when things weren’t going great, he found a way to lift others up.”

The tragedy of his death has shaken not only his immediate circle but also the broader community, which has become all too familiar with the rising tide of youth violence. His family, overwhelmed with grief, has asked for privacy as they begin the unthinkable task of preparing for his funeral—a moment that, by every account, should have been decades away.

A Mother’s Cry and a Community’s Grief

In the wake of the shooting, Anthony’s mother took to social media to express her sorrow, pleading for answers and support. Her message was raw, anguished, and heartbreakingly simple: “He was just 19. My baby is gone.” Her words have since been shared thousands of times, resonating with parents, friends, and strangers across Texas and beyond.

Vigils have been organized throughout Fort Worth. On Sunday night, just hours after the confirmation of his death, over a hundred people gathered near the site of the incident to light candles, say prayers, and release balloons into the evening sky. Family members held each other close. Friends cried on each other’s shoulders. Community leaders called for unity—and action.

“This violence has to stop,” said one pastor, who helped organize the vigil. “How many more of our youth do we have to bury before something changes? Anthony should be alive today.”

A Fundraiser to Cover Funeral Costs

In response to the tragedy, a fundraiser has been launched to help the family cover funeral expenses. The response has been swift and generous, with donations pouring in from classmates, coworkers, church groups, and concerned residents who never even met Anthony but were moved by his story.

The fundraiser has not only provided much-needed financial support during a time of crisis, but it has also become a hub of remembrance, with donors leaving heartfelt messages about how Anthony touched their lives.

“I only met him once, but he left an impression,” one donor wrote. “He was kind and respectful. My heart breaks for your family.”

The organizers of the fundraiser have said that any funds left over after funeral costs will go toward initiatives aimed at addressing youth violence and providing opportunities for at-risk teens in the Fort Worth area.

Questions Linger as Investigation Continues

As police continue their investigation, the broader community is left asking painful and necessary questions. How did a night meant for joy descend into violence? Why do weapons so easily enter spaces where young people gather? What role do systemic issues—poverty, policing, and mental health—play in fueling the cycles of violence?

Authorities have asked anyone who attended the party or has information about the incident to step forward. “We believe someone out there knows what happened,” a Fort Worth detective said in a press briefing. “And we need their help to bring closure to this grieving family.”

So far, community members have been responsive, offering tips and sharing videos and photos that may prove critical in identifying suspects or motives. Still, without an arrest, the pain remains unresolved.

Honoring a Legacy

In the days following Anthony’s death, his loved ones have been working to ensure that his legacy is not defined solely by the violence that ended his life. At his former high school, teachers have planned a memorial wall where students can leave notes, photos, and memories. Friends are organizing a charity basketball game in his honor—an event that Anthony himself had once hoped to coordinate to raise money for local youth.

“He always wanted to give back,” one friend said. “Even when he didn’t have much, he gave his time, his attention, his kindness. We want to carry that forward.”

His family has expressed deep appreciation for the outpouring of love and solidarity, saying that every gesture—every message, every prayer—has given them the strength to face another day.

A City Seeking Peace

The shooting has reignited conversations among Fort Worth officials and residents about community safety, particularly for teens and young adults. In recent months, local leaders have pushed for greater investment in youth programs, conflict mediation, and mentorship initiatives. Many are hoping that this latest tragedy will galvanize action rather than fade into the background of an all-too-familiar narrative.

“What happened to this young man is part of a larger pattern we must break,” said one city council member. “We owe it to his memory to make sure no more families have to go through this.”

Local churches, nonprofits, and neighborhood coalitions have pledged to host town halls in the coming weeks to discuss tangible solutions—from curbing illegal gun access to expanding trauma counseling services.

Moving Forward Without Forgetting

The road ahead will be difficult for Anthony’s family and for the many people who knew and loved him. The grief is still raw, and the questions far outnumber the answers. But amid the sorrow, there is also resilience—a deep, shared determination to remember him not as a statistic or a victim, but as a son, a friend, a dreamer, and a light extinguished too soon.

“He had goals. He had love. He had life,” said one family member at the vigil. “Now it’s up to us to hold on to all of that—and to make sure his name is never forgotten.”

As Fort Worth mourns, one truth rings louder than the silence left behind: Anthony mattered. And though his time was brief, his impact was lasting. In the stories shared, the tears shed, and the hands held together in his name, his spirit lives on.