Malachi Cyrus Lancaster, 18, died from a gunshot wound on December 8, 2024, in a hunting incident off Williston Road just south of Gainesville, Florida. He was taken to UF Health Shands Hospital and later pronounced dead. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating; preliminary information indicates the firearm was accidentally discharged and no arrests or suspects have been identified.

A senior at Newberry High School, Malachi had been homecoming king and was known as a football player and student leader. Born September 14, 2006, he was the son of Joel and Sophie Lancaster, pastors at Activate Church, and was raised in a household reflecting American and Zimbabwean heritage. The school provided grief counselors and the community held memorials and funeral services; an online memorial shows many messages and candles honoring him.

Does anyone who hunted in that area around December 8 have information that could help clarify what happened?