Detroit — A mother is mourning her son after he was fatally shot during a road rage incident on Interstate 94 on Saturday. The tragic event unfolded near 10 Mile Road, where a confrontation between two cars escalated into gunfire, according to Michigan State Police.
Nineteen-year-old Alvin Mark Johnson, affectionately known as Lil Mark, was celebrated for his achievements as a standout offensive lineman at Harper Woods High School. Following his high school success, he secured a full scholarship to play football at Central State University in Ohio, where he also pursued studies in sports medicine.
His mother, Ebony Johnson, described her son as ambitious and focused, stating, “He always dreamed of working in sports, whether as a player or in another capacity. He was excelling in school and had big plans for his future.” Johnson was on the honor roll in college and was dedicated to his craft, but his dreams were abruptly cut short.
Eyewitnesses reported that two vehicles were engaged in a shootout while traveling eastbound on I-94. In the chaos, the car carrying Johnson collided with another vehicle, resulting in serious injuries. Following the incident, he was transported to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.
Police have confirmed that the shooter from the other vehicle remains at large, intensifying the urgency for information from the public. The loss of her son has left Ebony grappling not only with grief but also with financial burdens. She explained that her family is struggling to cover the costs of his funeral. To alleviate some of their financial strain, they have initiated a crowdfunding campaign to seek support from the community.
Ebony described her son as innocent, emphasizing that he had been out shopping with friends in anticipation of an upcoming cruise. “He didn’t deserve this,” she said, expressing the profound pain of losing a child who had so much potential.
Community members have been urged to come forward with any information related to the shooting, with Crime Stoppers providing a hotline for anonymous tips. As the investigation continues, friends, family, and former teammates remember Johnson not only for his athleticism but also for his kind spirit, illustrating the deep void his passing has left in the lives of those who knew him.