College football player from Howard Co. shot at NYE party, left paralyzed

WASHINGTON — A Marshall University football player from Columbia, Maryland, was paralyzed from the waist down after being shot early New Year’s Day.

According to a GoFundMe page set up for Larry Aaron III, the 19-year-old was attending a New Year’s Eve party in Severn, Maryland, when he was hit in the back by a stray bullet.

Anne Arundel County police responded to a report of a shooting on Bastille Road in Severn just after 1 a.m. New Year’s Day.

Aaron was injured, along with a 17-year-old boy who was shot in the arm.

Police are still trying to determine who pulled the trigger and why.

The GoFundMe page said Aaron, a sophomore at Marshall University in West Virginia, earned a full athletic scholarship and was a defensive tackle for the Thundering Herd. A little over two weeks ago, the team beat Colorado State to win the New Mexico Bowl.

The GoFundMe page was set up to help pay for Aaron’s medical and living expenses, with a campaign goal of $250,000. The page reads in part:

“The family thanks all those that have reached out through prayers, calls, text messages and visits to see him. We understand that this will be a journey as we all come together to provide endless support, love, and care for Lawrence throughout his recovery. Any support during this difficult time is greatly appreciated.

Blessings, The Family of Lawrence Aaron III.”

Michelle Basch

Michelle Basch is a reporter turned morning anchor at WTOP News.

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