Teenage brother of Athens shooting victim dies in his sleep

A popular Athens high school student died in his sleep this week, just days after his older brother was shot outside a nightclub, the Athens Banner-Herald reported.

MarQuavious “Tootie” Payne, 17, was found Tuesday morning in his bed after he didn’t show up at Cedar Shoals High School, the newspaper reported. The teenager, who played football for his school, could not be revived.

Tootie’s mother told the newspaper her son had no pre-existing conditions and did not use drugs or alcohol.

“God just took him in his sleep,” Towyone Wymbs said.

Wymbs' older son was injured early Saturday when he was shot outside Bootleggers nightclub, according to police. Jamaris Antrellis Walter, 22, was seriously injured in the shooting, which killed 22-year-old Derrick Merritt. Police believe both men were innocent bystanders.

Students are planning to hold a candlelight vigil in Payne’s memory Friday night on the Cedar Shoals High School football field.

About the Author

Georgia honors women in uniform amid debate over their roles in combat

Females in uniform like Amy Stevens are being recognized in Atlanta parade, history exhibit and Georgia hall of fame before Veterans Day as combat roles for women are debated.

UPS warns of delivery delays after its plane crash at Louisville hub

The disruption of operations at UPS’ largest hub continues to have some effects, while an investigation and recovery operation continue at the Louisville crash site.

Louisville plane crash response in ‘recovery mode,’ UPS operations disrupted

12 are confirmed dead, believed to include a child, according to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. They do not expect to find survivors at this point, he said.

The Latest