The Vero Beach and wider Indian River County community is actively mourning the tragic loss of 17-year-old Sulliman ‘Sulli’ Bah. Following a heartbreaking fatal shooting earlier this month, family, friends, former teachers, and co-workers have united to honor the memory of a young man they describe as a caring, gentle giant. As the community prepares for his funeral this weekend, conversations surrounding the circumstances of his death continue to resonate across the Treasure Coast.
A deeply mourned local teenager, remembered for his bright personality and protective nature by the Vero Beach community, will be laid to rest this weekend as his family continues their earnest plea for justice following a fatal altercation at Garcia’s Boat Ramp.
Funeral and Memorial Service Information
Those wishing to pay their final respects to Sulliman will have the opportunity this weekend. The services are open to the public, underscoring the deep impact the teenager had on his local community.
- Location: Pathway Church, 1105 58th Avenue, located southwest of the Vero Beach city limits.
- Viewing: Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Funeral Service: Scheduled to begin immediately following the viewing.
- Livestream Access: For those unable to attend in person, the service will be broadcast via the Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory website.
A Community United in Grief
Earlier this week, a standing-room-only candlelight vigil was held at Farm and Flame, the Vero Beach farm-to-table restaurant where Sulliman was employed as a pizza cook. More than 100 attendees, some wearing t-shirts bearing his photo and others carrying floral bouquets, gathered in quiet reflection. Heartfelt testimonies were shared by many, including Angela Sanders, who taught Sulliman sixth-grade reading at Storm Grove Middle School, and colleagues who recalled his uplifting energy.
Co-worker Jade Hollis noted that Sulliman consistently brought great vibes to the workplace, always checking in on others and offering jokes to brighten their days. Close friend and fellow co-worker Christopher Milian, who met Sulliman in the ninth grade at Vero Beach High School before the two transferred to Sebastian River High School, reflected on their shared dreams. Milian shared how they worked together at multiple local pizzerias, saved their earnings, and recently achieved their goals of purchasing their own cars.
The Incident at Garcia’s Boat Ramp
The tragedy that took Sulliman’s life unfolded on Friday, October 2, in the parking lot of Garcia’s Boat Ramp in unincorporated Indian River County. The teen, who had recently transitioned to homeschooling, had just finished his shift at work prior to arriving at the ramp.
According to local law enforcement and widely circulated Snapchat footage, an altercation occurred involving a group of teenagers surrounding a white truck. The video appeared to show Sulliman opening the truck’s door and reaching toward the driver before being fatally shot in the chest by the vehicle’s passenger.
Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers previously noted that the defense is expected to claim self-defense. While the Sheriff’s Office plans to submit a warrant regarding the shooting, the State Attorney’s Office will make the ultimate determination on whether formal charges will be filed against the 18-year-old shooter.
Family Calls for Justice
Sulliman’s mother, Chelynn Godfrey, has publicly refuted any claims of self-defense. She stated that her son was unarmed and argued that firing a weapon into someone’s chest is not a proportionate response to a potential physical altercation. Godfrey characterized the incident as premeditated, noting that Sulliman’s friends had previously voiced concerns about violent threats from the group involved.
While the family continues to urge law enforcement and prosecutors to thoroughly evaluate the facts and pursue appropriate criminal charges, the residents of Indian River County have stepped up to provide tangible support. A Meal Train fundraising campaign established for the Bah family initially set a modest goal of $1,000. Showcasing the region’s immense generosity, the fund has already surged to nearly $13,000, ensuring the family is supported during this extraordinarily difficult time.
