BROOKLYN, N.Y. — A heartbreaking tragedy has left a Bronx family and the Crown Heights community in mourning after 16-year-old Tyson “TJ” Harps Jr. was fatally shot Saturday night while visiting friends in Brooklyn — just 90 minutes after assuring his mother he was safe.

Police say Tyson was shot in the head around 8:45 p.m. in front of an apartment building on Eastern Parkway near Rochester Avenue. Officers responded to the scene and found the teenager lying on the ground with a gunshot wound. Despite emergency efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The young victim, described by family as kind, protective, and full of promise, had traveled from the Bronx to spend time with friends. His mother, who asked not to be named for safety reasons, said he only wanted a short visit after staying home for Halloween.

“I feel like my soul is gone,” she said tearfully. “I’m so numb and I just keep crying and lying in his bed.”

She recalled their last text exchange at 7:21 p.m., less than two hours before the shooting:

“He said, ‘Ma, I’m good.’ I said, ‘You got to your location yet?’ He said, ‘Yeah, Ma.’ And that was it.”

Shortly after, Tyson was gunned down. Police recovered nine shell casings from the scene and are searching for a masked male suspect last seen wearing a black jacket, gray sweatpants, and white sneakers. Authorities have not identified a motive, and investigators say Tyson had no criminal history.

When his mother received the devastating phone call, she rushed to the scene, only to find her son’s body still lying under a sheet behind police tape.

“They didn’t remove my son until four hours later,” she said. “My heart left my body. My soul has not returned.”

Days later, she faced the unthinkable task of identifying her son’s body at the morgue.

“I was hoping it was a nightmare,” she said through tears. “But when I saw him, I knew my baby was gone. He didn’t even get to graduate high school.”

Tyson’s mother has since launched a GoFundMe to help cover funeral and memorial expenses as she struggles to navigate life without her eldest child.

“I’m still trying to figure out how to bury my son,” she said. “We never talked about this — whether he wanted to be cremated or buried. I don’t even know what to do, but I know I don’t want to let go.”

She remembered Tyson as a loving big brother who took care of his siblings and always stepped up when needed.

“He felt like he had to be the protector,” she shared. “If I was sick, he’d cook dinner, take care of the kids, tell me to rest. He had such a good heart.”

Now, she’s pleading for anyone with information to come forward.

“If you’ve seen something, say something,” she urged. “Help me and my family find peace. My son deserves justice.”

As the investigation continues, the community of Crown Heights — and the city as a whole — is left grappling with yet another act of senseless gun violence. Tyson “TJ” Harps Jr. is remembered as a bright, caring, and loyal young man whose life ended far too soon.

Rest in peace, Tyson “TJ” Harps Jr.

Forever loved, forever remembered.