Tragedy in Tampa as Orchard Park Teen Grad Shot to Death on the Day of His Birthday

Carson Senfield Carson Senfield Death University of Tampa

By Joel Brussels , Parent Herald Sep 21, 11:58 am

Photo: (Photo : Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

Carson Senfield was celebrating his 19th birthday on the day he was tragically shot to death in Tampa, Florida, according to his family.

Tampa police said the University of Tampa sophomore was shot to death early Saturday morning by the driver of a vehicle, who told the authorities he feared for his life, WESH reported.

Senfield had taken an Uber home. After getting out of the car, witnesses told the police the victim tried to get into another vehicle. The suspect claimed he shot the Orchard Park native because he did not know him or why he was trying to get into the car.

Grieving dad can't believe his son is gone

Senfield, who graduated from Orchard Park High in 2021, was well-known in athletics, having played hockey, baseball, and other sports. His dad, Darren Senfield, spoke with Channel 2's Claudine Ewing by phone about his oldest son.

Darren said his son was such a bright light to everybody, noting that he was the apple of everyone's eye. He added that sports was a great conduit, which is why they have a wonderful network of support in Western New York (WNY).

The grieving dad added he spoke with his son two days before he celebrated his birthday with friends on Friday night. Darren said his son enjoyed his people, whether in WNY or his people in Tampa, noting that he was such a generator of great vibes.

Darren believed the details surrounding his son's death would eventually come out. He added that they don't have their son anymore; they are mourning, heartbroken, and devastated.

GoFundMe page created in memory of Carson

Darren said it was a senseless tragedy that they are still trying to figure out, but at this point, it does not matter as they don't have their Carson with them, People Magazine reported. They won't be able to spend time with Carson anymore at Cuba Lake, a place where he loved to hang out with his family.

Darren recalled telling his son last month when he dropped him off at college to always call his mom. He did just that, with Carson texting his mom and calling her every day to say, "I love you." Darren said that was just the kind of kid he was.

A GoFundMe page has been created and organized in memory of Carson. His father said that they would direct the money collected to a scholarship later to make sure kids like Carson, children with that love for people, have the chance to go to college.

The Senfield family considers Western New York a gem for their outpouring of support during this difficult time.