JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Monday marked six years since two people were killed and another 11 injured when a gunman opened fire at a video game competition in Jacksonville.
Eli Clayton and Taylor Robertson were killed in the shooting at the Jacksonville Landing, and the shooter was also found dead inside.
Although the Landing isn’t there anymore to serve as a memory, it’s a day one doctor at UF Health is often reminded of.
“We received prenotification just down the road, and we were getting victims," said UF Health Dr. Brian Yorkgitis. "We didn’t know how many or what the conditions were, so we prepared ourselves just like we would for anything.”
Yorkgitis said moments after the team got that call on a Sunday afternoon, they had patient after patient showing up with gunshot wounds.
In total, there were three people killed, including the shooter, and 11 injured, 10 with gunshot wounds and another hurt while trying to run away.
“It really was a moment that was sad, but also a moment of success because most patients survived," said Yorkgitis. "Our city should be proud of our emergency response that day.”
The Jacksonville Landing closed less than a year after the shooting and was demolished a few months later.
Construction on the new Riverfront Plaza started last year, with Phase 1 expected to wrap up next year.
A city spokesperson said plans to build a permanent memorial to the shooting victims when construction is finished are under consideration.
“Such an important piece of history for our region, but for our country," said Yorkgitis. "To realize that, the city worked together that day to save lives.”
The memorial wouldn't be installed until the entire project is complete, including both Phase 1 and Phase 2.