Former UK sports activities star shot lifeless in New York as tributes paid to ‘standout chief’
Kinu Rochford, 35, was shot in the head just before 10.30pm local time on 70 Lenox Avenue in Harlem, New York, during an annual basketball tournament, police said
Kinu Rochford in action for Cheshire Phoenix in 2015(Image: Adam Day Photography)
A basketball star who previously played in the UK has been shot dead in New York. Local media reported Kinu Rochford, 35, was shot in the head just before 10.30pm local time on 70 Lenox Avenue.
Friday’s attack in Harlem occurred during an annual basketball tournament. Rochford, who hailed from the Brooklyn area of the city, was rushed to hospital in a critical condition and later died from his injuries, police said.
A 28 year old man was shot in the shin and a 22 year old woman was shot in the forearm during the attack They were taken to hospital and are both in a stable condition.
Rochford was a former basketball player at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. The team described him as a “standout knight and leader” in a social media post.
He was also considered one of the most talented players across the five boroughs of New York. He last played professionally for Golden Eagle Ylli, a team based in Kosovo, in 2021, reports the Liverpool Echo.
From 2015 to 2016 Rochford played for Cheshire Phoenix, a basketball team based in Ellesmere Port. In a post on its Facebook page yesterday, the club said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Nix player, Kinu Rochford.
“Kinu was reportedly taking part in a basketball event in New York when he was fatally injured in a gun-related incident. We will always remember Kinu for the larger-than-life personality he brought to the club, both on and off the court.
“He was a valued member of the Nix family and his impact will not be forgotten. Our heartfelt thoughts and deepest condolences are with Kinu’s family, friends, and everyone whose lives he touched.
“Rest in peace, Kinu.” Numerous supporters of Cheshire Phoenix left touching tributes in the comments section.
One woman said: “Such sad news. Kinu was such a kind and amazing player! Such an awful loss.
“Thoughts and prayers with his friends and family.” Zohran Mamdani, the mayor of New York, also offered his condolences while condemning the shooting.
In a post yesterday on X (formerly known as Twitter), he said: “I am heartbroken for the family of the man who was killed last night at a basketball tournament in Harlem. This senseless violence must stop.
“New Yorkers deserve to spend the summer watching and playing sports, attending community events and enjoying our public spaces – places where families, friends and neighbours joyfully gather, not where people are at risk of becoming victims to gun violence. We are working closely with our community partners to provide services to those affected and the entire community.
“Our administration is using every lever across agencies to prevent further violence and ensure all New Yorkers can safely enjoy the city this summer.”
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