A popular video gaming champion from California was among the victims gunned down at the EA Madden NFL 19 Classic video game tournament in Jacksonville, Florida on Sunday, Aug. 26.
Witnesses, including gamers who participated in the tournament, say Eli “Trueboy” Clayton, 21, was among four people killed when another player opened fire with a handgun after losing a video game in the tournament on Sunday. 11 others were wounded.
The mass shooting occurred at the GLHF Game Bar in Jacksonville. There were “gun-free zone” signs posted throughout the bar.
The 24-year-old gunman reportedly lost his game, left the bar, then returned 30 seconds later and began shooting.
Clayton, of Calabasas, was among the country’s top Madden players invited to participate in the first Round of a Madden NFL 19 Satellite Qualifier.
The top 10 finishers in the series of Satellite Qualifier tournaments will advance to the Round of 16 at the Madden Classic Finals in Las Vegas in October.
Other gamers who were at the Florida Qualifier say Clayton was specifically targeted by the gunman who was upset over losing a game at the tournament.
Ironically, Clayton originally did not plan to attend the tournament. In a tweet on August 20, Clayton said he “had a change of heart” and would be in Jacksonville.
Same had a change of heart .. Ima be there ?? https://t.co/YHTAu2cRgk
— True (@True__818) August 20, 2018
The Madden Qualifier was live-streaming on ESPN2 and Twitch when the gunman began shooting.
Clayton and another gamer, Joe Rice, are seen playing a video game while analysts describe a touchdown.
The video cuts out just after a red laser dot appears on Clayton’s chest. Loud popping sounds are heard, followed by screaming and dropped controllers. More gunshots and screaming can be heard on the audio portion of the video (watch the video below).
UPDATE: The shooter has been identified as gamer David Katz, 24, a “disgruntled gamer [who] reacted to losing with violence”.
After killing 2 people and wounding several more, Katz turned the gun on himself.
VIDEO of 24-year-old David Katz, the Baltimore gamer believed to have been the shooter at the Jacksonville Landing. Sheriff says he killed himself. Listen to how announcers describe him. pic.twitter.com/YkiAokUBHg
— Vic Micolucci WJXT (@WJXTvic) August 27, 2018
Never got the opportunity to talk to spotme but for True I remember he was a really cool dude to meet at EA Play before the Madden 17 season. He was also willing to let me pick his brain about getting better at the game going into the Madden 19 season. Always appreciated his help
— B.P. (@TheBlackPH03N1X) August 26, 2018
CAUTION: the video below contains sounds of graphic violence which may be disturbing to some viewers.
