ALLENTOWN, PA — Ayden J. Scharper, a 19-year-old Southern Lehigh High School graduate and standout college athlete, was found dead late Friday night on a sidewalk along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Allentown, officials confirmed Tuesday.
The Lehigh County Coroner’s Office said Scharper was pronounced dead at 11:49 p.m. on June 6. Following an autopsy, the coroner ruled the death a suicide, noting no signs of foul play. The Allentown Police Department is assisting with the ongoing investigation.
Scharper, a resident of Upper Saucon Township, was widely known for his talent both on and off the field. A 2023 graduate of Southern Lehigh High School, he earned a 4.5-star ranking from Kohl’s Kicking and garnered all-area honors in both football and soccer. At Southern Lehigh, he played dual roles as the varsity football team’s kicker and punter and as the soccer team’s goalkeeper.
He continued his athletic career at Muhlenberg College, where he joined the football roster and averaged over 41 yards per punt. He also recorded his first collegiate point with a successful PAT against The College of New Jersey (TCNJ).
Off the field, Scharper was a passionate and talented film photographer who shared his work online through a personal website and social media. Using 35mm analog cameras, he captured images that reflected his thoughtful, creative nature. “I enjoy having to carefully plan out a shot, and by doing so, making it perfect,” he wrote in his artist bio.
Scharper also made efforts to give back to the community. He led a “Kick-It” campaign to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research, combining his athletic talents with a sense of purpose and compassion.
He is survived by his parents, Noah and Jessica Scharper, and his younger brother. He would have celebrated his 20th birthday on August 24.
The news of Scharper’s death has deeply shaken his hometown and the broader Lehigh Valley community, where he was admired as both a gifted athlete and a kind, thoughtful young man. Support resources have been made available for students and teammates at both Southern Lehigh and Muhlenberg College.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers free, confidential support 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or by dialing 988.