Parents Of Basketball Player Davell Holden Mourn The Loss of Their Son And His Bright Future

Davell Holden was not just a high school basketball player with big dreams, he was a beloved son whose mother Angela Birts is now left holding memories instead of moments.

August 5, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on August 5, 2026

The parents of Davell Holden are living every family’s nightmare after their 16-year-old son, a rising high school basketball player, was shot and killed in South Holland, Illinois.

Davell was not just a student or athlete; he was a loving son, a respectful teammate, and a quiet force of kindness in his community.

While his future on the court was just beginning to take shape, it was his strong family support that truly shaped who he was off the court.

Who Are Davell Holden’s Parents

Davell was the son of Angela Birts, whose heartbreak echoed through every word she spoke to the news cameras.

After hearing the news, Angela Birts’s first response was disbelief. “I said no, that is not true, that is not Davell,” she told ABC7. She also added;

“I still don’t really know what happened; I just know he left here, went over there, and I got a phone call, tragic phone call about him being shot, something that I could never have imagined,”

Standing in shock, she later said, “I am sorry that I only got 16 years, but I am grateful for those 16 years.”

Davell’s mother, Angela, in an interview. (Image Source: )

That short statement tells the story of a mother who cherished every moment with her son. Her pain was deep, but so was her love.

She described Davell as quiet and focused, someone who never brought her trouble and stayed out of drama. “He never gave me any problems,” she said through tears. “He just went to school, played basketball, and stayed to himself.”

There is no public record or statement from his father at this time. However, what is clear is that Davell was raised in a family filled with love, support, and high hopes.

His relatives, especially his aunts, also stepped forward to speak about the kind of young man he was becoming.

Aunts And Coach Reflect On Davell’s Character

Davell’s aunt Ashley Birts described him as a kindhearted teen who was always respectful and avoided negativity. She told ABC7.

“He did not speak bad about anybody. He did not care about anything that was going on at school that was negative.”

Another aunt, Stacey Gayles, spoke through visible grief. “It hurts so bad. It is always the innocent ones. I miss him,” she said.

His high school coach, Joseph Ingram of Thornwood High School, remembered him as a well-respected and humble athlete. “I could not believe it when I first heard it,” Ingram said.

“That is not the Davell I knew.” He described Davell as a quiet leader who worked hard and earned the respect of everyone around him.

In Case You Did Not Know

• Davell Holden was a 16-year-old student athlete and basketball player at Thornwood High School in South Holland.
• He was fatally shot on Drexel Avenue near 160th Street in what police believe was a targeted attack.

• Check other Articles on

Anish Koirala has loved sports since he was a kid. He grew up playing basketball and soccer, and that passion stayed with him over the years. Today, Anish works as a writer and editor, sharing his knowledge and love for the game through articles and stories. He uses his playing experience to make his writing clear, thoughtful, and fun to read.

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