Savannah mourns 34-year-old youth coach Savon Holman, killed in shooting

Key points

• Savon Tevin Holman, 34, died after being shot multiple times on Oct. 18 in the 800 block of West 53rd Street, near Mills B. Lane Boulevard.
• Holman served as president and coach of 912 United, a youth sports organization focused on uplifting young athletes through football.
• He leaves behind three children: Braylon, Kaycen, and Kamryn. A GoFundMe campaign aims to raise $14,000 for his homegoing service and family support.
• Hundreds of community members, coaches, and players attended a candlelight vigil at Minick Field on Friday to honor Holman, known locally as 'Coach Tevin.'
• Savannah police are investigating the shooting but have not released suspect information or announced arrests. The public is urged to contact CrimeStoppers.

Background

This incident adds to a pattern of gun violence in Georgia, including a mass shooting in DeKalb County in September and a murder-suicide in Douglas in October. While those cases involved different circumstances, they highlight ongoing community concerns regarding firearm safety in the state.

How outlets are covering it

WSB-TV and WJCL focus on the immediate tragedy and the financial needs of Holman’s family, emphasizing the GoFundMe campaign and the lack of police leads. WTOC highlights the broader community impact, detailing a large-scale vigil and testimonials from fellow coaches who described Holman as a father figure to the entire youth population. All outlets agree on the basic facts of the shooting and his role in 912 United, but WTOC provides more detail on the emotional response and the specific educational background of the victim, noting his 2010 graduation from Beach High School and 2017 from Savannah State University.

Why it matters

The death of a prominent youth mentor underscores the impact of gun violence on community leaders and the reliance on local fundraising to support grieving families. It also highlights the role of sports organizations in providing stability for young people in Savannah.

What to watch

Police will continue investigating the shooting, and the GoFundMe campaign will continue to raise funds for the funeral and the children’s care. The community is expected to continue honoring Holman’s legacy through the 912 United organization.