Yearly event will continue memory of 20-year-old Fall River man shot to death

An event was held last weekend that is expected to be a yearly occurrence in honor of a young Fall River man.

Jaleale Simmons, a 20-year-old and former Durfee High School basketball player, was fatally shot on March 15, 2025, in an apartment on Rodman Street allegedly by his 17-year-old brother.

In response to Simmons’ death, the Greater Fall River RE-CREATION Youth Outreach Program and the Department of Public Health’s Gun Violence Prevention Program organized a “Jaleale Simmons 3-on-3 Memorial Basketball Tournament” on May 3rd at Kuss Middle School to honor his life.

Simmons was remembered as a kind, community-oriented individual who mentored younger youth and was a beloved teammate.

Greater Fall River RE-CREATION released a statement Wednesday concerning the event.

“On Saturday, May 3, we celebrated and remembered the life of a beloved member of both our Outreach and GFRREC family, Jaleale Simmons.

“To honor his memory, our Greater Fall River REC Outreach family lead by Program Manager Victoria Maniatis and Durfee Basketball Coach, Joe DaCruz, collaborated with Fall River Public Schools Durfee student Jacob Correia and created the 2025 Jaleale Simmons Basketball Tournament.

“Jaleale was an avid basketball player growing up especially during high school as he had played for #Durfee Basketball with Coach Joe and often with the staff and youth from the Outreach Program and GFRREC. He loved his friends and family very much especially his mom whom he took great care. His memory will live on through everyone who knew and loved him.

“Thank you very much to everyone who participated at this year’s event! A very special shoutout to legendary Durfee Counselor, Mr. Jay Correia for joining us at this very special event. We hope to see everyone return in 2026 for the next Jaleale Simmons Basketball Tournament.”