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In Loving Memory of Grace Clark

FULTON COUNTY, NY — With profound sadness, we mourn the heartbreaking loss of Grace Clark, a radiant young woman whose life was tragically cut short. At just 21 years old, Grace’s vibrant spirit, kindness, and warmth touched the hearts of all who knew her.

Grace was more than a daughter and friend — she was a bright light full of promise and hope. A proud graduate of Rotterdam High School, she carried herself with grace and compassion, leaving a lasting impact on her family, friends, and community.

Though her time with us was far too brief, the love and joy she brought into the world will never be forgotten. As we grieve her loss, we hold tight to the precious memories of her laughter, her generous heart, and the genuine connections she made.

Our deepest condolences go out to Grace’s family and loved ones. May you find strength in one another and comfort in the outpouring of love surrounding you during this difficult time.

May Grace rest in eternal peace, forever remembered and cherished in our hearts.

Gone too soon, but shining forever.

In Loving Memory of Zoe Landrum

With profound sadness and broken hearts, we say goodbye to our beloved Zoe Landrum — a beautiful soul, a dedicated athlete, and a shining light within our cheer family. Her passing has left a void that words cannot fill, but her memory will forever live in the heart of everyone who knew and loved her.

Zoe was so much more than a talented cheerleader. She was a source of joy, kindness, and inspiration. Her smile could brighten the darkest day, and her laughter filled our gym with warmth and life. She led with grace, treated everyone with compassion, and showed a quiet strength that uplifted those around her.

Watching Zoe grow into the young woman she became was one of the greatest privileges we’ve ever had. She gave her all — to her team, to her coaches, and to her sport. But more importantly, she gave her heart. Her spirit was radiant, and her impact on our gym and community is immeasurable.

To her parents — thank you for sharing Zoe with us. Coaching her was not only an honor but a gift. She brought out the best in all of us, and she will forever be a part of who we are. Her legacy will live on in every routine, every chant, and every moment of unity we share.

To those in the cheer community who knew Zoe, we invite you to join us in remembering her. If your athlete had the joy of cheering alongside her, please share your favorite photos and memories. Let us celebrate the life she lived and the light she gave so generously.

Zoe, your time with us was far too short, but your impact will last forever. You will always be with us — in the way we cheer, in the way we love, and in every beat of our hearts.

Rest peacefully, Zoe Landrum.

You will never be forgotten. You will always be loved.

Forever a part of Empire. Forever in our hearts. 💙✨

In Loving Memory of Jabari Latrell Peoples

HOMEWOOD, AL — A deep sense of sorrow has settled over the communities of Homewood and Aliceville following the tragic death of 18-year-old Jabari Latrell Peoples. On the evening of Monday, June 23, Jabari lost his life in a fatal shooting involving a Homewood police officer at the Homewood Soccer Park.

According to official reports, the incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. when an officer approached a vehicle deemed suspicious in the empty park. Authorities say that during a physical struggle, Jabari pulled a firearm, prompting the officer to discharge his weapon. Jabari was transported to UAB Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:06 p.m. No officers were injured. The State Bureau of Investigation is now leading an independent investigation, as per protocol.

Jabari’s sudden passing has left an indescribable void in the hearts of those who knew him. Hailing from Aliceville, he was remembered by friends and family as a kind-hearted, curious, and lively young man. He carried with him a spirit of resilience and a warmth that made others feel seen and valued. At just 18 years old, he had dreams and potential that were tragically cut short.

Those who loved Jabari are now left not only with grief but with questions — about what happened, about what could have been, and about how to make sense of such an unbearable loss. His family, devastated and heartbroken, is asking for privacy and peace as they navigate this unimaginable pain.

In his memory, let us not only grieve the life that ended too soon, but also reflect on the importance of justice, compassion, and the sanctity of every life. Jabari was more than a headline — he was a son, a loved one, a life with a future.

Rest in Peace, Jabari Latrell Peoples

Forever young. Forever missed. Always remembered.

In Deepest Mourning: Remembering Adam Conner

Marshall, Virginia With hearts weighed down by sorrow, we mourn the tragic and untimely passing of Adam Conner, a beloved friend, a treasured member of our Old Salem family, and a light in the lives of so many.

This loss is more than unexpected—it is devastating. Adam was not just a familiar face; he was the kind of soul who left an imprint on everyone he met. He was the friend who showed up, the brother who listened, the spirit who made laughter ring through even the heaviest days. He brought joy without asking for any in return, and he gave love without limit.

There is a deep silence in the places where Adam once stood—a silence that aches. The Old Salem community grieves not only for the man we’ve lost, but for the warmth, strength, and laughter he gave so freely. We were better because he was here. And now, we are broken because he is gone.

To his family—especially the Conner family—we extend our deepest, most heartfelt sympathy. We pray for peace in your pain, for strength in your sorrow, and for the quiet comfort of knowing that Adam was deeply loved and will never be forgotten.

A candlelight vigil in Adam’s honor will be held on Friday, June 27th at 9:00 PM at Old Salem, where we will gather as one to sing Amazing Grace and light the night in his memory. It is our way of saying goodbye. Our way of holding him close one more time.

As we grieve, we also remember. We remember the joy Adam gave, the loyalty he showed, and the life he lived so boldly and so fully. May his memory be a blessing, and may we each carry a part of his spirit forward in love and kindness.

Rest in peace, Adam.

In loving memory of Dylan Eisel

The Williams County community is mourning the heartbreaking and untimely loss of Dylan Eisel, a 20-year-old whose life was tragically cut short in a devastating car accident in the early morning hours of Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

The crash, which occurred on U.S. Route 127 near milepost 17 in Millcreek Township, has left an entire town shaken. According to Ohio State Troopers, Dylan lost control of his vehicle, struck a utility pole, and the car overturned. Both Dylan and his passenger, 19-year-old Courtney Ames, were ejected from the vehicle. While Courtney remains hospitalized with serious injuries, Dylan was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dylan’s passing leaves behind a deep emptiness in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. He was more than a name in a headline—he was a son, a friend, a young man with dreams and a future that ended far too soon. His laugh, his spirit, and the kindness he carried with him will be remembered always.

There are no words that can ease the pain of losing someone so young, so suddenly. His absence is felt not only in his home, but in every life he touched with his compassion, his strength, and his quiet generosity.

As we mourn Dylan, we also lift up prayers for Courtney Ames, who continues to fight for her life. We hold her in our thoughts and ask for healing, comfort, and peace.

This is a time of sorrow, of unanswered questions, and unimaginable grief. But it is also a time to remember. To remember Dylan for who he was, to cherish every memory shared, and to honor his life by loving each other just a little more fiercely.

Rest peacefully, Dylan Eisel. You were deeply loved, and you will be missed beyond measure.

In Loving Memory of Marcus Carpenter

Dolton, Illinois —  It is with broken hearts that we mourn the tragic and untimely passing of Marcus Carpenter, who lost his life in a devastating crash on the Bishop Ford Freeway in the early hours of Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Marcus was involved in a collision while riding his motorcycle and was pronounced dead at the scene. He was just a short distance from his next chapter, and now, his community is left to carry the weight of a future that will never be.

Marcus, a proud graduate of East Saint Louis Senior High School, was known for his quiet strength, his steady character, and the kindness he extended to everyone around him. He had a presence that spoke volumes without ever needing to raise his voice—a calm, thoughtful young man with a heart full of love for his family and his hometown.

His death has sent waves of grief through two communities—East St. Louis, where he was raised and celebrated, and Dolton, where his life came to a sudden and heartbreaking end. The road that took him from us was one he had likely traveled before, but on this morning, fate dealt a cruel blow.

Marcus leaves behind a grieving family, devastated friends, and a community that now must learn how to live with the silence left in his absence. To know Marcus was to know loyalty, humility, and a spirit that gave more than it ever asked in return. His loss is not just a headline—it is a wound carried deeply by all who loved him.

In this time of mourning, we come together not only to grieve, but to remember. We remember the young man who made us laugh, who showed up when it mattered, who loved quietly but deeply. We remember the dreams he had, the life he was building, and the light he carried.

May his memory be a blessing.

May his family find comfort in the love surrounding them.

In Loving Memory of Moriah Smith

With hearts weighed down by sorrow, we mourn the tragic and untimely loss of Moriah Smith, a 28-year-old woman from Roselle, Illinois, whose life was taken far too soon in a three-vehicle crash on June 22, 2025, in Henrietta Township, Ohio. The collision, which occurred at the intersection of State Route 113 and Gore Orphanage Road, is currently under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Moriah’s passing has left an unfillable void in the lives of those who knew and loved her. She was a beacon of light—a soul filled with grace, warmth, and quiet strength. Whether through her compassion, her laughter, or her ability to uplift others without seeking recognition, Moriah touched hearts in a way few can. Her absence is deeply felt by family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to share in her journey.

She was the kind of person who made others feel seen, heard, and loved. Her kindness wasn’t loud, but it was unwavering. Her joy wasn’t fleeting, but deeply rooted. In every small act of love, in every quiet gesture of care, Moriah left behind pieces of her spirit—fragments of beauty that those who loved her will carry forever.

This heartbreaking loss is a reminder of how fragile life can be, and how quickly the world can change. In a single moment, an entire future was stolen—a future filled with promise, laughter, and love. We are left to grieve not only what was, but what will never be.

To her family, we offer our deepest and most heartfelt condolences. May you find strength in each other and in the enduring love that surrounds Moriah’s memory. To her friends, may you hold tight to the moments you shared, the conversations, the smiles, and the comfort of her presence.

As we mourn Moriah, let us also remember the importance of caution and care on the roads. No life is replaceable. No goodbye is ever easy.

May Moriah Smith rest in eternal peace. Gone too soon, loved beyond measure, and remembered always.

26-Year-Old Woman Killed in Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-220 in Jackson

JACKSON, MISS. — June 23, 2025 — The Jackson and Raymond communities are mourning the heartbreaking loss of kayla Smith, a 26-year-old woman whose life was tragically cut short in a multi-vehicle crash early Monday morning on Interstate 220.

The collision occurred around 2:00 a.m. near the Watkins Drive exit, prompting a swift and large-scale emergency response. Multiple vehicles were involved in the wreck, and both southbound lanes of I-220 were closed for hours as first responders worked the scene.

According to the Jackson Police Department, personnel from AMR, the Jackson Fire Department, and the Hinds County Coroner’s Office responded to the crash. Despite their efforts, Mikayla Smith was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Her identity was later confirmed by Hinds County Interim Coroner Jeramiah Howard, sending shock and sorrow through her hometown of Raymond and the wider community.

Mikayla is remembered by family and friends as a woman of kindness, compassion, and quiet strength. Described as warm-hearted and full of promise, her untimely passing has left an enduring void in the lives of all who knew and loved her.

Several other individuals sustained injuries in the crash and were transported to local hospitals. Their names and conditions have not been publicly released, and the total number of those injured remains unconfirmed.

The wreck shut down all southbound traffic for several hours, causing significant delays during the Monday morning commute. Authorities remained on-site conducting a thorough investigation and working to clear the scene.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with authorities examining potential contributing factors such as road conditions, fatigue, impairment, or mechanical failure. No charges have been filed at this time, and officials are asking anyone with information or who may have witnessed the crash to contact the Jackson Police Department.

This devastating accident serves as a solemn reminder of how quickly life can change. As the community reflects on this loss, many choose to honor Mikayla’s life not by how it ended, but by how she lived — with kindness, joy, and a generous spirit that touched everyone around her.

Rest in peace, Mikayla. Your light will never fade.

Exon Alfonso Sanchez-Garzon, 18, Charged with Second-Degree Murder in Fatal Bloomington Shooting

BLOOMINGTON, MN — A tragic shooting in Bloomington on Sunday morning has led to the arrest and charging of 18-year-old Exon Alfonso Sanchez-Garzon, who now faces a count of second-degree murder in connection with the death of 24-year-old Andy Tapia Negrete.

According to the Bloomington Police Department, the incident unfolded during the early hours of June 23, when officers responded to a report of gunfire. Upon arrival, they found Tapia Negrete suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. A second individual was also shot and transported to a nearby hospital with serious injuries.

Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges confirmed that the shooting stemmed from a “family conflict”, and several individuals were taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation. While Sanchez-Garzon has been officially charged and is being held on $1.5 million bail, the identities and charges of the three other individuals arrested have not yet been released, and booking photos remain unavailable.

Sanchez-Garzon is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Tuesday, where more details about the case are expected to be presented. In a press briefing, Chief Hodges emphasized the devastating impact of gun violence—particularly when it involves family members—and urged the community to seek peaceful resolutions to conflict.

“This was a senseless act born out of anger and emotion,” said Hodges. “Now one young man is gone, another is facing the rest of his life behind bars, and multiple families are forever changed.”

As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

The Bloomington community now mourns the loss of Andy Tapia Negrete, a young man whose life was cut tragically short. His loved ones are left grieving, searching for answers, and hoping for justice in the wake of this deeply painful event.

In Loving Memory of Sgt. Beverly “Bev” Rodriguez

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we honor the life and memory of Sgt. Beverly “Bev” Rodriguez, a dedicated officer of the Metro Transit Police Department, whose unexpected passing has left an immense void in both the department and the community she served so faithfully.

Sgt. Rodriguez was not only a highly respected law enforcement professional—she was a compassionate leader, a quiet force for good, and a fierce advocate for the most vulnerable. Through her work on the MTPD’s Homeless Action Team, she embodied the very best of public service. Her efforts were never about recognition; they were about humanity. She met people where they were, offering them kindness, support, and hope when few others would.

With every interaction, Sgt. Rodriguez led with empathy and understanding. She saw the person behind the struggle and responded with dignity and respect. Whether she was helping someone find shelter, de-escalating a crisis with calm and care, or mentoring a fellow officer, her actions were rooted in compassion.

Colleagues remember her as someone who could transform the most difficult situations simply by showing up with authenticity and heart. She built trust where others saw tension. She extended grace in moments others might have turned away. She showed us all what it truly means to serve.

As we grieve this incredible loss, we remember Sgt. Rodriguez not only for her bravery and professionalism but for the love and humanity she poured into every corner of her work. Her life was a testament to the power of kindness, and her legacy will continue to shape the values and mission of those who follow in her footsteps.

To her family, friends, and fellow officers—please accept our deepest condolences. May you find strength in knowing how deeply she was loved and how widely she was respected.

Rest in peace, Sgt. Beverly Rodriguez. Your compassion lit the way. Your legacy will live on—in every life you touched, and in the hearts of all who were privileged to know you.