A hoop legend's legacy for Riley

GREGORY'S DREAM FOR DAUGHTER RILEY!!

My name is Toska Palmer.  I am the aunt of slain basketball star,  Gregory D. Tucker.  On October 16, 2016, at approximately 8:50 p.m., my nephew, Gregory D. Tucker was driving southbound in the 4500 block of North Hazel Street on Chicago's Northside when 5 shots were fired into his car.  Unfortunately,  one shot struck him in the temple, sending him into shock.  
Bystanders immediately rushed to his aide.  He was immediately taken to Illinois Masonic Hospital.

My sister Awana, myself, Gregory's dad, Gregory Tucker Sr., Ryan Edwards (Riley's mother) and a host of other friends and family sat in the ER from 9:30 p.m. on Sunday night until Monday morning on pins and needles praying that this was all a dream.  It couldn't be happening to our family too.  Another senseless killing of an innocent person.  Not Gregory! No family deserves this.  He did everything right. Completed grammar school,  attended two of the best high schools in Chicago (Whitney Young and Lincoln Park) was recruited by a great college in North Dakota to play basketball on scholarship.  He completed his education there and was later scouted by Chicago State University and Robert Morris University to play Division I basketball.

Gregory was known and loved by everyone throughout the city.  He had no known enemies, which is why this is such a shock to us and the Uptown community.  In his short life, Gregory set out to do exactly what he planned as a kid.  His greatest accomplishment was his beautiful 11 month old daughter, Riley.  Although he loved basketball he doted on his daughter.  He loved her more than life itself.  He talked endlessly about how he wanted to take care of her and provide an amazing life for her.  In his words, "all I want to do is play ball and take care of my daughter".  

I've never witnessed a young man his age speak so openly about his feelings for his child.  It would often times bring tears to my eyes to hear how proud he was to be "Riley's" father.  He looked forward to spending time with her.  He stated that his daughter gave his life new meaning and purpose after she was born.  He looked forward to the day that he could take her to the basketball court.

Unfortunately, all the dreams that Gregory had for his daughter Riley, came to an end on Sunday morning.  The doctors couldn't stop the bleeding and gave my sister the option of giving him more blood to keep him on life support a little longer or.....the inevitible...

Gregory's mother, Awana Tucker (my sister) had to make the painful decision of removing him from life support.  The doctors advised her that the bullet was still lodged in his head preventing an operation.  It was too risky.  At 11:41 a.m., on Sunday, Gregory D. Tucker was pronounced dead.

Gregory leaves behind an 11 month old daughter, Riley Edwards-Tucker.  Her birthday is October 29th (next week).  Gregory will never experience his daughter's first birthday and Riley will never know her father or the dreams he had for her.  While we were gathered at the hospital, I saw Riley looking around at everyone and looking puzzled as to why she didn't see her dad.  She didn't say the words but she could sense that the family was together but her daddy was missing.

In honor of Gregory's dream for Riley, we would like to make sure she is taken care of.  Most people collect for funds to be disbursed at the age of 18 but we believe that Riley will need immediate support throughout her life.    

An account has been opened at BMO Harris bank in her honor and support payments will be disbursed weekly to take care of Riley exactly like her father would have.

All monies collected will be used 100% for the immediate support/care of Riley Edwards-Tucker. Support payments will be disbursed to Ryan Edwards, to take care of Riley like her father would.

Any funds donated will be greatly appreciated.  Thank you for reading,

Sincerely, 

Toskanelia Palmer, Rileys aunt.