Ever since the inception of Pokemon Go, a lot of news stories had been running about its benefits and the dangers it brings to people who are addicted to it. Recently, it was part of the last memory of a California college student who was shot dead whilst playing the viral gaming application.
New York Daily News reports that Calvin Riley, 20, was out playing Pokemon Go with his friend at Aquatic Park near Ghiradelli Square in California when an unknown gunman opened fire before 10 p.m. and shot him dead. Investigation is still ongoing to determine the motivation behind the shooting.
According to a family friend, John Kirby, there was no confrontation between Riley and the man who shot the bullet. The two friends did notice a man watching them from afar but they were too preoccupied playing Pokemon Go to suspect any threat from the stranger.
Unfortunately, distracting one's senses with Pokemons can kill a person out in the dark. This is what happened to Riley when the man emerged from his hideout and shot him dead.
The gunman did not take any material belongings of Riley, just his life which can never be retrieved again. Visitors of the Fisherman's Wharf area saw Riley fall from the gunshot that killed him.
As per NBC Bay Area, Riley is currently the baseball pitcher of San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton who hailed from San Mateo's Junipero Serra High School. According to Kirby, he was a great baseball player who "always had positive things to say about everyone."
No arrests had been made as the gunman remains at large. The National Park Service has since vowed that it will do its best to not let a shooting incident happen again in the area.
As per Independent, Pokemon Go has become a worldwide craze this summer. Players visit landmarks to catch as many Pokemons as they can. Along the game's benefits, Parent Herald reported that playing Pokemon Go has helped children with autism spectrum become more sociable. However, the app has also created trespassing issues, damage of property complaints, injuries acquired and robberies executed (via Independent).
If you want to help the family of the shot college student, visit the Go Fund Me page created by his cousin. If you also have a suspect lead or any information about the shooting, contact U.S. Park Police through 415-561-5150.
How do you think can Pokemon Go creators ensure the safety of their players and address other issues brought about by addiction to the game? Comment below your thoughts and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.
