NEWARK, DE — The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation announced it will honor 17-year-old Kaleb Blumberg of Newark, Delaware, by planting a memorial tree in his name in Pennsylvania’s Allegheny National Forest. The tribute follows Blumberg’s death from injuries sustained in an October 8 shooting in Wilmington that also claimed the life of his friend, 16-year-old Nathan Lopez.
The “Trees for Peace” initiative, led by the national nonprofit, serves as a living memorial for students lost to gun violence across the United States. Each tree represents a young life cut short, with the project aiming to promote healing, remembrance, and advocacy for stronger violence prevention measures.
Blumberg, remembered as an innocent victim, died on October 11, three days after the incident that left two Delaware families shattered. A teenage suspect has been charged in connection with the shooting, which authorities continue to investigate.
Daniel Chapin, founder and national director of the Youth Peace & Justice Foundation, said the tree planted in Blumberg’s memory will stand as a lasting symbol of both loss and hope. “Two lives, full of promise and potential, were violently stolen by an epidemic we refuse to end,” Chapin said. “This tragedy is an urgent call to action. We must confront the gun violence devastating our youth and demand lasting legislative change.”
The foundation has pledged to include both Blumberg and Lopez in its national student gun violence memorial, expanding its mission to ensure that each young victim is remembered not only as part of a tragedy but as a catalyst for peace and reform.
As Delaware mourns, the trees planted in their names will grow as a reminder of what was lost—and of the continuing need to end the cycle of youth gun violence.
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