Tragedy for USA 7s star Carlin Isles as brother shot dead

USA Olympic 7s player Carlin Isles is hoping a reward can help shed light on the killing of his younger brother Chase after he was shot in Ohio last Monday. An unspecified reward for information that leads to an arrest and a conviction has been announced by Stark County Crimestoppers.

Isles, who is looking to represent America at the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo, has been using his social media platforms in the hope of generating leads about what happened to his 28-year-old brother in Jackson Township.

He told News 5 Cleveland: "I play for Team USA, and to all my friends and family who support me and also know my brother, we're just trying to find out who did it.

"He was a great man, a fun-loving guy who just loved everybody. He was just so easy to talk to and get along with.

"I can't have that hatred in my heart because that does nothing for me. Being mad, being angry, it's okay to feel those things, but to walk around with that on my heart does nothing for me."

Chase Isles, who leaves behind an eight-year-old daughter, didn't live in the apartment building where the shooting happened, complicating an investigation that had not led to any charges yet.  

A statement from USA Rugby read: "USA Rugby have recently learned of the tragic death of Chase Isles, Carlin Isles' brother. 

"We urge anyone with information to contact the Jackson Township police department at 330-830-6264 or to leave an anonymous tip at 330-834-3967. Our thoughts are with Carlin and his family during this unimaginable time."

Carlin Isles took up rugby in 2012 and was soon selected for the USA 7s team, debuting at the Gold Coast tournament and scoring against New Zealand just a minute after coming on.   

One of the fastest players on the planet, he has scored more than 200 tries on the circuit since then and also dabbled in American football, signing for the Detroit Lions practice team.