Drenaya Ponder was an 18-year-old African American woman who died on June 6, 2021, in Miami Beach while visiting South Florida from Atlanta. The death occurred inside a car when a firearm discharged as her sister was handing it to her; Drenaya was struck in the face and did not survive. Local investigators concluded the shooting was accidental and determined there was no criminal intent, so no arrests were made.

The investigation centered on how the accidental discharge happened and on whether procedures were followed in the handling of the case. Drenaya’s death devastated her family and community and was described as underscoring the tragic consequences of gun-related accidents and the importance of safe firearm handling and storage.

Did anyone in the Miami Beach or Atlanta area have information about Drenaya’s last visit or the events that day?