Community mourns loss of 14-year-old killed outside Michigan State Fair

FERNDALE, Mich. (WXYZ) — The community is mourning the death of a 14-year-old boy who was shot and killed near the Michigan State Fair this past weekend.

Darean Davis was pronounced dead at a hospital. His friend, who is also 14, was shot in the leg and is returning home, according to family.

The search continues for the man who opened fire in the parking lot of the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi around 10 p.m. on Saturday.

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Dr. Devon Buskin, co-founder and CEO of the Detroit City Lions, worked with Darean at the youth club.

“To celebrate five years, we are providing care to nearly 3,500 children where kids can be kids,” Buskin said.

But while Buskin is proud of the youth club and its players, he is feeling the pain this week.

“I got the call right before midnight that Darean, also known as Dee Dee, had unfortunately been shot and killed,” Buskin said. “It was just devastating, especially since I had just seen him a few weeks ago and he was talking about how summer was. And he was just looking forward to getting back to school and football season and all that.”

Related Video: Michigan State Fair attendees recall weekend shooting incident

Michigan State Fair attendees recall weekend shooting incident

Darean played for the Detroit City Lions in 2022 and 2023. Buskin said he was a well-rounded young man and athlete who could play multiple positions.

“A team player. He was one of those kids who pushed other kids to be better, and sometimes it just came naturally,” Buskin said.

Darean was also a student at University High School in Ferndale, where I met a parent on a pick-up line. Latonya Jordan, a parent in the school district, showed me an email the school sent Tuesday morning.

“On Saturday, August 31, a 10th grade student at University High School was killed as a result of gun violence,” Jordan read.

She said she felt moved when reading the email.

“When I read that first part, I almost dropped my phone because it’s too close to home,” Jordan said. “My daughter is the same age and she’s from school.”

Jordan says he wonders why the shooting happened.

Related Video: Michigan State Fair continues after shooting, with increased security, new rules

Michigan State Fair continues after shooting, with increased security, new rules

Novi police say a preliminary investigation indicates the incident may have been sparked by an argument that occurred throughout the week.

In a statement to 7 News Detroit, Ferndale Public Schools Superintendent Camille Hibbler said in part:

“It’s just sad. It still bothers me because it shouldn’t have happened in the first place.”

Buskin and Darean get the justice they deserve.

“He was just an angel, man. He could light up a room, he was very smart, he was very focused. He cared about his family. We hope and want justice for Darean,” Buskin said.

If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact the Novi Police Department at 248-348-7100.