Authorities responded around 9:00 a.m. on February 16, 2026, to the Proud Lake Recreation Area near the boat launch on Wixom Road in Commerce Township after a passerby discovered a deceased male. Upon arrival, officers found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim has been identified as 19-year-old Andre Sontay Avant Jr. An autopsy performed by the Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Avant died from a gunshot wound, and the manner of death has been ruled a homicide.
Investigators say the circumstances leading up to the shooting remain unclear, and no suspect or motive has been publicly identified. Officials described the killing as a brutal and senseless act that has left the victim’s family and community seeking answers.
Law enforcement is urging anyone who may have seen Avant on February 15 or during the early morning hours of February 16, 2026, or who observed suspicious activity in or around the recreation area, to contact authorities. Tips may be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers, which is offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information that leads to an arrest.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
