Late Monday night, the body of 16-year-old Grenada High School junior Ayden Reno was discovered in a brushy area near Honeytown Park off Leigh Avenue in Grenada, Mississippi. Authorities say Reno died under uncertain circumstances; his passing has left the local school and wider community stunned and deeply saddened.
Around 11:41 p.m. Monday, Grenada police were called to the 700 block of Leigh Avenue after reports of gunshots in the vicinity. They located Reno’s body in an overgrown area near Honeytown Park. Grenada County Coroner Douglas “Little Bobby” Yates pronounced Reno dead at 12:25 a.m. Tuesday. His remains have been sent to the Mississippi State Crime Lab for autopsy. Meanwhile, investigators are working to confirm whether the gunshots are related to his death.
Reno was active in his school community. He was a defensive back for the Grenada High School Chargers (wearing number 27) and also a member of the Visions show choir. His involvement both on the field and in music made him a familiar and respected presence among classmates and teachers. According to athletic profiles, he stood about 5 feet, 7 inches and played underclassman football in the junior class, caring deeply about his teams and peers.
News of his death spread quickly through school channels. The Grenada School District issued a statement expressing heartbreak over the loss of one of their students, noting they had made counselors available for both students and faculty coping with the tragedy. Kirk Academy, a neighboring private school, also extended condolences and support to Ayden’s family, friends and the entire school community.
Law enforcement continues to treat the case as an active investigation. While reports of gunshots set off alarms among residents Monday night, officers have not confirmed whether those shots are tied to the teenager’s death. Any information that may assist in the investigation is being requested.
Authorities are urging anyone with knowledge about what happened to contact Grenada Police at (662) 226-1211 or via (662) 227-TIPS. As of now, no suspects have been publicly identified and there is no indication of any arrests.
The school year in Grenada has been upended by this loss. Sports and arts communities especially feel the void left by Ayden — not only for his athletic contributions but for his leadership and presence. The coming days are expected to bring memorials, remembrances, and continued investigation into how and why this promising young life was taken.