WINTER GARDEN, Fla. – Ten years after 13-year-old Lavardo “Eljay” Fisher died in an accidental shooting, his Central Florida family is turning their grief into action. They launched a memorial 5K to celebrate his life while urging families to practice firearm safety.
Fisher’s relatives, former teachers, coaches and community members gathered for the inaugural race, showing their continued support for his family a decade after his death.
Ocoee Middle School, where Fisher was once a student, was among the groups represented at the event.
Fabiola Nelson, Fisher’s mother, said the turnout was deeply emotional. “Just extremely overwhelmed with so much love, support,” she said. “I literally broke down because we have Ocoee Middle School, which is the middle school that Lavar went to.” Fisher died in February 2016 following an accidental shooting.
People who knew Fisher said his legacy should reflect the life he lived—not only the tragedy that ended it.
The family said the 5K serves two purposes: keeping Fisher’s memory alive and encouraging gun owners to store firearms securely.
Jerry Nelson, Fisher’s stepfather, said children continue to discover guns that have been left unsecured. “Kids are finding, you know, firearms that’s tucked under a bed or tucked under a pillow rather than with a gun lock on it or in a safe,” he said.
For Fisher’s family, the event also underscores that grief has no set timetable. “We have a sign out there that says that grief has no expiration,” Fabiola Nelson said. “So there’s really not a moving forward. But this right here is what brings it together as well, like keeping him alive.”
As runners reached the finish line, Fisher’s photo and his family’s message remained central to the gathering: remember Eljay, support those who loved him and take steps to prevent another family from facing the same loss.
Jerry Nelson said his message to Fisher remains simple. “I love you. I miss you,” he said. “Thank you for keeping me young and keeping me exercising.” Fisher’s family hopes the memorial 5K will become an annual way to honor his legacy and keep firearm safety in the spotlight.
