A Newark family is mourning the death of 17-year-old Kaleb Blumberg, who passed away on October 11, three days after being shot in Wilmington’s East Side neighborhood according to a GoFundMe account.
Blumberg, identified in the GoFundMe, was one of two teenagers struck by gunfire on October 8 near 6th and Pine Streets, in the area of Maurice Pritchett Academy. Wilmington Police initially reported that a 16-year-old Newark teen had died and a 17-year-old remained in critical condition. A GoFundMe campaign created by relatives later said that Blumberg, also from Newark, succumbed to his injuries after several days in the hospital.
According to the fundraiser, Blumberg sustained a gunshot wound to the head and remained in critical condition until his passing. His family described him as a caring and kind-hearted young man who “could always make you laugh and put a smile on your face.” The campaign also revealed that Blumberg became a donor through the Gift of Life program, saving four lives by donating his heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys.
Friends, family, and community members wishing to support the Blumberg family can contribute directly to the fundraiser at GoFundMe.com/f/kaleb-blumberg.
Despite the news of Blumberg’s passing through family statements and online tributes, Wilmington Police have not yet issued an official update acknowledging his death. However, the department’s CompStat report lists three homicides between October 6 and October 12, 2025. One of those cases corresponds to the 16-year-old who died as a result of the October 8 shooting, and another occurred on October 11. Details regarding the third homicide have not been publicly released.
