Willie Simmons III was an 18-year-old senior at Elgin High School who was shot and killed on April 18, 2021, at an apartment complex in Austin, Texas. A talented athlete who had signed to play college football at the University of North Texas, he was remembered for leadership on and off the field and was loved by family, friends and his community.

The shooting also killed 17-year-old Alyssa Broderick, a member of the Elgin girls basketball team, and 34-year-old Amanda Broderick. Police identified 41-year-old Stephen Broderick, a former Travis County deputy, as the shooter; he was arrested the following day and charged with capital murder.

Willie’s funeral was attended by family, teammates and community members who recalled his integrity and faith.