On a warm summer evening in Harlem, a dispute erupted on Lenox Avenue that would end in tragedy.
Harlem Under Fire
Witnesses said the gunfire sounded like fireworks, and the sound echoed down the block.
Two other people, a 28‑year‑old man and a 22‑year‑old woman, were also struck and rushed to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital.
Kinu Rochford, a 35‑year‑old professional basketball player, was pronounced dead at the hospital, his death confirmed by emergency responders.
Rochford had built a reputation in college at Fairleigh Dickinson University before embarking on a career that took him across Europe, where he played for clubs such as Aris Leeuwarden, Elitzur Yavne and Cheshire Phoenix.
At a memorial service, his brother paid tribute to the athlete’s ability to bring people together, recalling the joy he brought to the court and to his friends.
The incident has left a void in the local basketball community and sparked renewed conversations about safety at public tournaments.