CLEWISTON -- Saturday night, May 1, 2021, one person died and three others were injured as a result of gunshots, according to the Hendry County Sheriff's Office.
 
The woman who died has been identified as 20-year-old Evereonna Sankey,  licensed certified nursing assistant, from Lehigh Acres.
CLEWISTON -- Everonna Sankey, 20, of Lehigh Acres died as a result of gunfire at the Brown Sugar Festival on May 1.
CLEWISTON -- Everonna Sankey, 20, of Lehigh Acres died as a result of gunfire at the Brown Sugar Festival on May 1.
 
At approximately 9:30 p.m., HCSO Telecommunications Center began receiving multiple calls reporting a shooting in the Harlem Community of Clewiston.
 
Hendry County investigators stated that deputies were in the area of Harlem Academy and 12th Street when they heard gunshots. Deputies immediately responded and located the victim. They then began performing CPR, however the victim died as a result of their injuries.
 
The medical condition of the others injured is not known at this time.
The shooting occurred at the Brown Sugar Festival, an annual event held in the Harlem Community that takes place during the first week of May. The local festival not only works to spread local awareness and appreciation of Black Heritage but also provides scholarships to students in the community.
 
This investigation is active. Investigators are asking if anyone has any information regarding this senseless death to please contact Hendry County Sheriff’s Office at 863-674-5600.
 
The 2020 Brown Sugar Festival was canceled due to the pandemic. Earlier this year, the 2021 Sugar Festival  was canceled due concerns about the spread of the COVID-19 virus.  At their April  13 meeting, after receiving petitions in support of the festival,  Hendry County Commissioners gave the festival the green light, despite concerns voiced by Hendry County Sheriff's Office officials who said there was not time to organize additional law enforcement support.