Teen killed in New Year’s Eve shooting outside Fort Lauderdale CVS
Posted on January 1, 2026 by Local 10 News
A 17-year-old boy, identified as Joshua Gipson Jr., tragically lost his life in a shooting outside a CVS pharmacy on North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard just before midnight on New Year’s Eve. Joshua was out with friends, enjoying the celebratory atmosphere of the holiday, when a violent exchange of gunfire between two individuals took place. Witnesses describe Joshua as an innocent bystander, caught in the crossfire and struck by the bullets while unaware of the danger. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Joshua succumbed to his injuries, leaving his family and community devastated by the senseless act of violence.
Joshua, known for his vibrant personality and kind heart, was a beloved son and big brother. A family friend described him as “a ball of sunshine,” always full of energy and positivity. Joshua had big dreams for the future, with plans to attend Virginia Tech in the coming year. His family was eagerly awaiting his return home, with his mother preparing food while watching a virtual church service, unaware that tragedy would strike. The family’s heartbreak was compounded by the shocking realization that the young man they loved would not come back through the door. The grief over losing Joshua is immense, and his family has called for justice, seeking answers as to why such an innocent life was taken too soon.
The shooting occurred just before the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve, a time typically reserved for celebration and hope for the year ahead. Instead, it became the scene of heartbreak and loss for the Gipson family. Joshua’s death has shaken not only his loved ones but also the Fort Lauderdale community, which is grappling with the loss of a bright, young life taken by senseless violence. As investigations continue, the family is left mourning the loss of their son, brother, and friend, and they are determined to push for justice to ensure that Joshua’s death is not forgotten. While words cannot heal the pain, they are hopeful that the truth will emerge, and those responsible will be held accountable for the tragic event that stole their beloved Joshua from them.