South Side High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, honored the life of a former student who was killed in a shooting over the weekend. Jayden Morris, 19, was one of three men shot on Saturday night near downtown Fort Wayne. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A moment of silence for Jayden Morris
On Tuesday, before a varsity boys basketball game, the school held a moment of silence for Morris, who graduated in 2023. The school also displayed his picture on the scoreboard and announced his name to the crowd. Morris was a member of the basketball team during his time at South Side.
The school’s principal, Carlton Mable, said that Morris was a well-liked and respectful student who had a bright future ahead of him. He said that the school community was saddened and shocked by his death.
“We wanted to show our respect and our love for Jayden and his family,” Mable said. “He was a part of our family here at South Side and we will always remember him.”
A shooting that left three men injured
According to the Fort Wayne Police Department, the shooting occurred around 11:40 p.m. on Saturday in the 1200 block of Rivermet Avenue. Police responded to reports of gunshots in the area and found three men with gunshot wounds.
Morris was declared dead at the scene by the Allen County Coroner. The coroner determined that he died of multiple gunshot wounds and ruled his death a homicide. The other two men were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The police have not named any suspects or motives in the shooting. They are asking anyone with information to contact them or Crime Stoppers.
A loss that affects the whole community
Morris’ death has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and former classmates. Many of them took to social media to express their grief and condolences.
One of his former teammates, Ashton Johnson, posted a tribute on Twitter, saying that Morris was his brother and his best friend. He said that Morris always had a smile on his face and a positive attitude.
“You were the most genuine person I ever met,” Johnson wrote. “You always had my back no matter what. You always pushed me to be better. You always made me laugh. You always showed me love. You always supported me. You always believed in me. You always inspired me. You always motivated me. You always encouraged me. You always uplifted me. You always made me happy. You always made me proud. You always made me feel special. You always made me feel loved. You always made me feel alive.”
Johnson said that he will miss Morris every day and that he will never forget him.
“I love you more than anything in this world,” he wrote. “You are my angel now. Watch over me and guide me. Rest in peace, Jayden. You will always be in my heart.”
