Central High School athlete Sean Davis died in a tragic shooting at the Pageland Watermelon Festival.
Sean Davis was a talented multi-sport athlete from Central High School in Pageland, South Carolina, who was set to graduate in 2026.
Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 144 pounds, Sean was a key contributor to Central’s varsity football program since his freshman year and consistently played multiple positions, including wide receiver (WR), running back (RB), and strong safety (SS).
Wearing jersey #5, he demonstrated athletic versatility and a strong football IQ across both offensive and defensive roles.
In his senior season, he helped lead the team to a 9-3 record and a second-place finish in their region.
Sean also competed on the JV basketball team, wearing jersey #32, showcasing his overall athleticism and commitment to team sports.
Sean Davis Was Shot And Killed On Friday At The Pageland Watermelon Festival
A 17-year-old was tragically shot and killed on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Pageland Watermelon Festival in South Carolina, as per police.
The shooting occurred Friday evening during the festival. The Central High School head football coach, Jonathan Eason, identified the victim as Sean Davis at a prayer vigil on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
The track team was scheduled to run in the Watermelon Festival’s 5K set for Saturday morning, and Davis was supposed to participate.
On Sunday, Central High School released a statement and mourned the loss of Sean. They wrote,
“We are heartbroken to share that a student from our school tragically passed away during a community event this weekend. Our deepest sympathies go out to the student’s family and all those affected by this loss. We know this news is difficult, and we are here to support our students. Counselors will be available on campus starting Monday at 8:30 a.m. to provide emotional support. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if your child needs help. We will continue to lean on one another during this time of grief.”
Central High School
James Dutton, a graduate of Central High School, took to his official Facebook handle and offered his heartfelt condolences by stating,
I am saddened by the loss of Mr Sean Davis as a parent of a deceased child I know that pain all too well, that is the most important thing I will say now with that being said: all you young kids need to get your heads out of your ass when I was a teenager we didn’t shoot if we had a problem with someone we threw hands someone won and someone got their ass beat but we all lived to fight another day, all you boys need to realize when you pull that trigger you ruin two families the family of the one that got shot and your own family because you may be a minor but something heinous like murder will get you tried as an adult and sent to prison with hardcore animals, so stop with the guns you are not in a rap video this is real life and you are ripping people’s hearts out with your stupidity, I am so sorry for the loss of Mr Davis
James Dutton
The Pageland Watermelon Festival takes place every summer, drawing visitors from around the area to the small town in Chesterfield County.
Hours after the shooting, the Town of Pageland posted that the Watermelon Festival events would continue as planned on Saturday.
Comments under the social media post expressed criticism. And by 7:30 a.m., the Town of Pageland posted the events would be cancelled out of respect for the victim and his family.
Chesterfield County Sheriff confirmed 17-year-old Jayden Jefferies is facing murder charges in connection with the shooting.
He was booked at the Chesterfield County Detention Center and is being held without bond.
Athlete Sean Davis Is Survived By His Parents, Jerry And Sharonda Davis
Born in 2008, Sean Davis was raised by his father, Jerry Kareem, and his mother, Sharonda Davis.
According to Jerry’s Facebook profile, he resides in Pageland, South Carolina, and attended Monroe High School. Later, he graduated from the Central Piedmont Community College.
Following graduation, he married Sharonda Davis on February 12, 2005.
Recently, Jerry took to his Facebook and mourned the loss of his son, Sean, by stating,
I can not begin or even bring a word to say how I feel. This pain hurts so bad! Thank you all for the overwhelming support, the prayers and the love that has been shown to us! This is tough so tough to swallow! Everyday multiple times a day, I tell my children that I love them and be care! Never did I think it would be e the last time. We as parents is never supposed to bury our children! But at this time, we won’t to take a couple days to process this. We will reach out to everyone when we are ready! Once again WE THANK YOU ALL FOR THE OVERWHELMING SUPPORT! MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL!! Rest well son(5) Sean Davis I LOVE/LIVE FOR YOU!!!
Jerry Kareem Davis
On the other hand, Sean’s mother attended Central High School and later graduated from York Technical College. She is also mourning the tragic loss of her son.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Sean Davis’s aunt, Ceshia Davis, is an entrepreneur and is the owner of Simply Village.
- Fox Place Grill announced that they will be hosting a Benefit Lunch & Dinner in Sean’s honor on Monday, July 21, 2025.
