Albemarle High School graduate fatally shot in Charlotte

An Albemarle High School graduate died following a shooting early Saturday morning in Charlotte.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department responded to the 100 block of Atando Avenue shortly after 2:45 a.m. and found a victim with traumatic injuries.

Police say he was transported to Atrium Main, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

He has been identified as Nicolas Davon Cole, 26.

A GoFundMe page — https://gf.me/v/c/k2py/nicolas-cole — has been set up to raise funds for funeral expenses for the family.

“Nicolas was a victim of gun violence on duty at his work establishment,” organizer Christian Moon wrote on the GoFundMe page.

Cole just turned 26 on April 24. Moon mentioned how Cole played football and wrestled at Albemarle High.

“He was ‘one of my kids,’ ” recalled Kim Cook, a now retired Albemarle Police officer who was one of two school resource officers who interacted with Cole.

“Always very respectful,” she said. “We always joked around and made anyone’s day better by his smile. Breaks my heart that his life has ended so soon. He was going to help the other security personnel, not thinking of his own safety. He was going to protect others. You could always count on him to be there in a time of need. My heart goes out to his family.”

CMPD Homicide Unit detectives have identified Adonis Smith, 21, as a suspect and obtained warrants for first degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Police say Smith sustained a gunshot wound in the incident and is hospitalized in critical but stable condition. He will be taken into custody once he released from the hospital, police stated.

“On behalf of the Moon & Cole family, we would like to thank everyone who has offered their love and prayers as they embark on this incredibly difficult journey of grief and healing,” the GoFundMe page stated. “The dollars raised through this fund will go directly to the Moon & Cole family for use toward Nicolas’s funeral expenses and any immediate financial needs.

“Again, thank you for your support of this incredible family. Your kindness, prayers and love are felt by the Moon & Cole family and everyone in the community that has suffered this tragic loss.”

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