MEMPHIS, Tenn. – A family is grieving after an 18-year-old was shot and killed early Sunday morning, just hours after heading out to what was supposed to be one of the proudest nights of his life: prom.

Family members confirmed the victim as Ladainian Cathey.

Memphis Police said Cathey was shot around 1:40 Sunday morning at a gas station at Shelby Drive and Elvis Presley Boulevard. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition but later died from his injuries.

What began as a celebration ended in gunfire.

18-year-old Cathey had just left for prom, a milestone moment many high school students dream about for years. Instead of returning home, his family is now left planning a funeral.

Police have released limited information about what happened leading up to the shooting, and have not said whether Cathey was the intended target.

The homicide comes less than twelve hours after a community gathering honoring National Crime Victims’ Rights Week; a week meant to recognize families impacted by violent crime. Now, another family has joined the ranks.

Marsha Wilson, whose son was murdered in 2014 and who now leads the nonprofit Linking Hands 901, said the loss Cathey’s family is experiencing happens far too often in Memphis.

“It’s just not fair that your kid is set to go out for the prom and such a tragedy happens like that,” Wilson said. “We’re going to have to get a wakeup call around here. Something has to be done. It’s too many shootings.”

Wilson pointed to multiple recent cases involving teenagers, including last week’s deadly shooting at Shelby Farms.

Sharika Carpenter, who lost her teenage son to gun violence five years ago, also shared her heartbreak. Carpenter founded The Braylon Murray Project to support mothers who have lost children to violence.

In a statement, Carpenter wrote in part: “There is no hurt deeper than losing your child, especially during what should be the most joyful moments of their life–prom, graduation. These are the moments we dream about from the day our children are born. To see another family now living the same nightmare, losing their child to gun violence while simply leaving prom, is heartbreaking beyond words. Our young people should be able to celebrate, to grow, to live.”

As investigators continue their work, police said the suspect was last seen leaving the area in a black Mercedes SUV. No arrests have been made.

Wilson urged anyone with information to come forward. “You have to tell,” she said. “If it was you, you would want someone to tell your mom. You’d want someone to tell your dad. You can remain anonymous, but you have to tell.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH or contact the Memphis Police Department.