Author: Admin

TALLAHASSEE, FL SHOOTING — FSU Campus Rocked by Violence as Gunman Opens Fire Near Student Union
Suspect Identified as Phoenix Ikner, Son of Leon County Sheriff

TALLAHASSEE, FL — A terrifying wave of violence shattered the early afternoon calm on Florida State University’s campus Tuesday, as gunfire erupted near the Student Union, prompting an emergency lockdown and leaving six individuals injured—one of them critically. The suspect, now in custody, has been identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, an enrolled student at FSU and the son of Leon County Sheriff Walt Ikner, a fact that has further stunned the community and sent shockwaves across local and state law enforcement circles.

The Shooting and Immediate Response

Just after 12:30 p.m., reports began flooding 911 dispatch of gunshots near the bustling Student Union—one of the university’s most active areas, especially during midday hours. Within minutes, FSU officials activated an emergency lockdown, alerting students and staff via the university’s alert system to shelter in place and avoid the area.

Dozens of first responders, including campus police, Tallahassee PD, and Leon County deputies, swarmed the scene. Law enforcement quickly secured the area and apprehended the suspect without further incident. Medical personnel treated multiple victims at the scene before transporting them to nearby hospitals. Officials have confirmed that six individuals were injured, with one in critical condition and undergoing emergency surgery as of Tuesday evening.

The Suspect: Phoenix Ikner

In a twist that has both horrified and complicated the investigation, the shooter was identified as Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old FSU student—and the son of Leon County Sheriff Walt Ikner. The Sheriff’s Office released a brief, emotionally restrained statement acknowledging the relationship and expressing deep sorrow over the events. Sheriff Ikner is said to be cooperating fully with the investigation and has recused himself from all involvement.

No motive has yet been confirmed, but authorities stated that Phoenix acted alone and that there is no ongoing threat to the campus. Investigators are currently combing through his background, academic records, digital communications, and potential social media activity to determine what led to the shooting.

Community in Shock

The FSU community remains shaken. Students describe scenes of chaos and fear—people hiding under desks, locking classroom doors, and frantically calling loved ones. “It didn’t feel real,” said sophomore Maya Thompson. “We’ve had drills before, but hearing sirens and not knowing what’s happening right outside the building—that was terrifying.”

Classes were canceled for the remainder of the day, and university officials are providing counseling services for students, staff, and anyone affected by the tragedy. A candlelight vigil is being planned on campus grounds to honor those injured and to give the community space to grieve together.

University President Richard McCullough issued a statement late Tuesday evening:

“Today our campus experienced a horrifying act of violence. Our hearts go out to those injured and their families, and to every student, parent, and staff member affected. We will not allow this senseless act to define us, but we must take time to mourn, reflect, and stand together.”

Ongoing Investigation

At a press briefing Tuesday night, authorities confirmed that charges are pending against Ikner, including multiple counts of attempted murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Prosecutors are reviewing the case in coordination with federal agencies due to the nature of the crime and the high-profile connection to law enforcement.

Mental health support and law enforcement response procedures are also under scrutiny, with many asking how a student with access to firearms could commit such violence so close to campus landmarks.

Looking Ahead

As Tallahassee begins to absorb the weight of this tragedy, both the city and FSU are coming together to support the victims and begin the difficult path toward healing. For now, questions remain unanswered, lives are forever changed, and a campus—once a vibrant place of learning and connection—must now recover from an unimaginable act of violence in its own backyard.

In Loving Memory of John Erb
Beloved Coach, Husband, and Father
Cumming, Georgia | Age 53

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the passing of John Erb, a cherished member of the Cumming, Georgia community. John passed away at the age of 53, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, leadership, and love that touched countless lives over the years. His sudden departure has left family, friends, students, and colleagues deeply heartbroken, yet united in honoring the man he was and the impact he made.

John Erb was much more than a name in an obituary. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a mentor to many, and a man of deep compassion and unwavering strength. Whether on the sidelines of a high school game, at home with his family, or in the community lending a helping hand, John lived with purpose and authenticity. His presence brought comfort, his words brought guidance, and his life brought light to those around him.

As a coach, John was known for his passion and dedication—not just to the game, but to the young lives he helped shape. He believed in the power of teamwork, the importance of discipline, and the value of heart over talent. His athletes respected him not only for his knowledge of the game, but for his ability to inspire, encourage, and believe in them—often before they believed in themselves. To many, he was more than a coach; he was a role model and a lifelong influence.

Off the field, John was a man deeply committed to his family. He was a loving and steadfast husband to his wife, with whom he shared a life filled with laughter, support, and enduring love. As a father, he was endlessly proud—celebrating every achievement, guiding through every challenge, and always showing up with open arms and wise words. His family was his greatest joy, and everything he did, he did with them in mind.

Those who knew John personally will remember his warm smile, his sharp wit, and his quiet yet commanding presence. He had a way of making people feel seen and valued. He listened with patience, spoke with honesty, and led with grace. Whether it was a quick hello at the grocery store or a long conversation after practice, John made people feel like they mattered—and that’s a gift few possess.

His death is not only a tremendous loss to his family but also to the entire Cumming community. Friends, students, and fellow coaches alike are grieving the absence of a man who gave so much of himself, never seeking recognition, only the chance to make a difference.

In the coming days, details of a memorial service will be shared, offering all who knew and loved John the opportunity to gather, grieve, and celebrate a life lived with honor and heart. The Erb family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this incredibly difficult time, and they ask for continued prayers as they navigate this season of sorrow.

John Erb’s legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave so freely. Though his time here has ended, his story will continue—told in every victory his players achieve, every kind word his children speak, and every moment we choose to lead with integrity, just as he did.

Rest in peace, Coach Erb. You will never be forgotten.

In Loving Memory of Thomas Zaldivar

With shattered hearts and deep sorrow, we share the unexpected passing of our beloved Thomas Zaldivar, who was called home to be with our Lord and Savior this past week. The news of his sudden departure has left a profound void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him, but we take comfort in the unshakable truth that he is now fully healed, fully whole, and in the glorious presence of Jesus.

Thomas was more than just a son, brother, friend, or loved one—he was a bright light in every life he touched. His kindness, warmth, and quiet strength were evident in the way he lived, the way he loved, and the way he served others. Whether it was through a shared laugh, a silent prayer, or a moment of simple kindness, Thomas brought the love of Christ into every room he entered.

Though our earthly hearts are grieving, we rejoice in the eternal hope we have in Jesus. We believe with certainty that Thomas has been welcomed into heaven with arms wide open, embraced by the Savior he so dearly loved. No more pain, no more fear—only peace, joy, and worship in the presence of the King.

Thomas’s faith was never something he wore for show—it was the anchor of his life, the quiet force behind his compassion, humility, and courage. He lived with purpose and conviction, even in the ordinary moments, always pointing others toward grace and truth. His love for God was real, and it shaped the way he lived and loved others.

Our grief is deep, and the days ahead will not be easy. We are walking through a storm of sorrow, trying to make sense of a loss that feels impossibly heavy. But we are not without hope. The same Savior who now holds Thomas is also holding us—carrying us through this season of heartbreak with mercy and grace.

Details about a memorial service will be shared in the coming days as we prepare to honor and celebrate Thomas’s life. In the meantime, we humbly ask for your prayers and your patience as we grieve together, as a family. Your love and support mean more than words can say, and we are so grateful for the many expressions of care and compassion already shown.

Please continue to lift us in prayer—for strength, for peace that surpasses understanding, and for the grace to walk this path with faith. Though we miss Thomas more than words can express, we trust in the promise that we will see him again.

Until then, we hold on to Jesus. And we hold on to each other.

We love you, Thomas. We miss you. But we know this goodbye is not forever.

Massacre on Calm Waters: The Tragedy That Shook Smith Lake

Before the sun dared to rise over the still, glassy surface of Smith Lake, the darkness shattered—not with light, but with a scream of tearing metal and a thunderous crash that echoed across the water. Two boats collided at high speed, and in the eerie silence that followed, the lake bore witness to one of its deadliest tragedies in recent memory.

By the time first light touched the water, three lives had already slipped beneath its depths.

Joey Broom, 58, a lifelong local and seasoned boater, died instantly. His modest fishing vessel was no match for the bass boat that struck it—an instrument of speed and precision turned deadly projectile. Witnesses describe the sound as something between a freight train and a lightning strike. By the time nearby residents reached the shoreline, all they could see was debris and drifting wreckage.

The bass boat belonged to Flint Davis, a name well-known on the professional angling circuit. Davis, 34, had been training for an upcoming regional tournament—one he’d been favored to win. But that morning, he wasn’t chasing trophies; he was clawing his way out of the freezing black water, bloodied and broken, his cries the only confirmation of life amid the chaos.

“I thought it was a log at first, a big one,” Davis later said, barely audible through a cracked voice and fractured ribs. “Then it was too late. I never saw them until… until it was over.”

Joey Broom wasn’t alone on the lake that morning. Two others were aboard with him—longtime fishing friends who had made it a Saturday tradition to cast lines before the sunrise. As of now, their names have not been released, but neither has surfaced since the crash. Dive teams, aided by sonar and underwater drones, have been scanning the lake’s depths around the clock, hoping against hope for a miracle—or at least, for answers.

The calmness of Smith Lake—once a comfort to locals and visitors alike—now feels haunted. Yellow tape flutters from the docks like prayer flags. Every lapping wave feels like an echo of what happened here, a silent cry for justice, for closure.

“This wasn’t just an accident,” said Marla Jenkins, Joey’s niece, standing beside a growing lakeside memorial of candles, flowers, and folded fishing caps. “Someone was reckless. Someone made a choice that ended lives.”

Preliminary investigations support what many are already whispering—excessive speed, failure to follow boating safety protocol, and possibly even impairment. The lake, typically serene at that hour, had become a battleground of human error and high-powered machinery.

But beyond the investigation and the headlines, it’s the families who are left with the deepest wounds. A daughter without a father. A wife without a husband. Friends missing friends. An entire town left to reconcile the surreal with the sorrowful.

The Department of Natural Resources has vowed a full inquiry, and local lawmakers are already calling for tighter regulations on recreational boating, especially in low-visibility hours. Curfews, speed restrictions, and mandatory navigation lights are now central to the debate.

Still, no law can reverse what happened before dawn that morning.

For those who knew Joey Broom, he was more than a name on a police report. He was a storyteller, a man who could catch catfish with a bent paperclip, and someone who always brought extra sandwiches to share. His loss ripples outward, touching not just blood relatives but an entire lakeside community that’s now missing a piece of itself.

As the sun finally rose over Smith Lake that fateful day, it cast light on a nightmare. And now, as the sun sets night after night, it does so over a lake that holds not just fish and memories—but ghosts.

The water will calm again. The wind will return. But Smith Lake won’t forget.

Not this time.

In Loving Memory of Lena Rimson

A Gentle Spirit, A Beautiful Life Gone Too Soon

With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we announce the untimely passing of Lena Rimson, a beloved 41-year-old resident of Cheyenne, Wyoming, who tragically lost her life in a head-on collision on Interstate 25. The news of her sudden departure has sent a wave of grief through her family, friends, and all who were touched by her warm presence and unwavering kindness.

Lena was the embodiment of compassion and sincerity—a woman whose gentle spirit radiated warmth and whose smile could light up even the darkest days. She lived a life anchored in love, integrity, and an unshakable belief in the goodness of others. Her passing has left an irreplaceable void in the lives of those who knew her best, and her memory will forever be held close in their hearts.

Born and raised in Wyoming, Lena was deeply connected to her community and proud of her Cheyenne roots. She carried the values of hard work, kindness, and resilience with her in everything she did. Whether lending a helping hand to a neighbor, offering an encouraging word to a friend in need, or volunteering her time for local causes, Lena was known for showing up for others—quietly, humbly, and consistently.

To her family, Lena was the heart of their world. A loving daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, she held each relationship with great care and intention. She was the one who remembered birthdays, made time for late-night calls, and always had a listening ear. Her home was a place of comfort and laughter, where stories were shared over cups of tea and memories were created in the everyday moments. Her absence is deeply felt and her presence deeply missed.

Lena also had an incredible gift of connection. She made people feel seen and heard. In a fast-moving world, she was someone who genuinely slowed down to ask how you were—and truly meant it. That rare quality left a lasting impact on everyone she encountered. From coworkers to lifelong friends, from casual acquaintances to those she considered family, Lena had the ability to make people feel valued and loved.

She loved the simple joys in life: a walk under Wyoming’s endless sky, a well-tended garden, an afternoon curled up with a good book, or time spent surrounded by loved ones. Her laughter—gentle and sincere—was contagious, and her spirit had a way of making people feel at peace. She was the kind of person whose legacy isn’t measured in material things, but in the love and light she left behind in others.

The tragic accident on Interstate 25 has left her community in mourning and serves as a sobering reminder of how fragile life can be. But even in this unimaginable loss, Lena’s legacy remains strong—etched into the hearts of those she touched. Her memory lives on in acts of kindness, in moments of stillness, in the beauty of nature, and in the way we care for one another.

As we grieve, let us also celebrate Lena’s life—one filled with quiet courage, sincere compassion, and a deep love for those around her. Let us honor her by living a little more like she did: with intention, with kindness, and with an open heart.

To Lena’s loved ones: please know that you are surrounded by a community that shares in your sorrow. You are not alone. May you find comfort in each other, in the stories you share, and in the beautiful life Lena lived. May her memory be a guiding light through this dark time.

Rest peacefully, Lena Rimson. Your time here may have been too short, but the love you gave and the lives you touched will echo on forever.

In Loving Memory of Jasmine Barbuto

A Life of Compassion, Devotion, and Healing

With great sorrow and aching hearts, we announce the passing of Jasmine Barbuto, a devoted nurse, loving wife, mother, daughter, and friend who tragically passed away in Florida due to cardiac arrest that resulted in irreversible brain damage. Jasmine’s unexpected departure has sent waves of grief through her family, friends, and the entire healthcare community, who knew her not only for her skill and professionalism, but for her deep well of compassion and love.

Jasmine dedicated her life to the service of others. As a nurse, she was more than just a caregiver—she was a healer in the truest sense. Whether it was holding a patient’s hand during a difficult procedure or staying late to ensure a family had the answers they needed, Jasmine gave more than what was required. She gave her heart. She brought peace to those in pain, comfort to those in fear, and a sense of dignity to those in their most vulnerable moments. To be in Jasmine’s care was to be treated with the utmost respect, kindness, and humanity.

Outside of her role in the hospital, Jasmine was a deeply committed wife and mother. Her family was the anchor of her world, and she poured every ounce of her strength and love into making sure they felt supported, safe, and cherished. Her home was a sanctuary of warmth—a place where laughter was shared freely, love was spoken daily, and her presence was a calming, nurturing force that held everything together.

Her children, who were the light of her life, carry forward her legacy of kindness and strength. Jasmine was their role model, their biggest cheerleader, and their constant in a world full of change. She instilled in them values of empathy, determination, and resilience—lessons they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

To her husband, Jasmine was not only a partner but a soulmate. Their bond was one built on trust, mutual respect, and unwavering support. Together, they weathered life’s storms and celebrated its many joys. Her love was fierce and unyielding, and it will remain a guiding light for him in the days and years to come.

Jasmine also touched the lives of countless friends and extended family. She had a unique ability to make people feel seen, heard, and valued. Her friendships were built on sincerity, her conversations on attentiveness, and her loyalty was never in doubt. She was the kind of friend who remembered the little things, who showed up when it mattered most, and who never hesitated to lend a helping hand or a listening ear.

The news of Jasmine’s sudden passing has sent ripples of sorrow through the broader nursing and healthcare community in Florida and beyond. Her colleagues speak of her not only with admiration, but with genuine affection. She was a mentor to many, an encourager to all, and a true inspiration in an often difficult profession. Her absence is deeply felt by those who worked beside her, who learned from her, and who depended on her calming presence during the most critical moments.

While words cannot fully capture the depth of this loss, they can help preserve the memory of Jasmine Barbuto’s extraordinary life. Let us remember her for the love she gave so freely, for the lives she touched so deeply, and for the legacy she leaves behind—a legacy built on compassion, courage, and an unwavering commitment to care.

To Jasmine’s family, we extend our deepest sympathies. May you feel surrounded by the love of the many lives she touched. May her memory be a blessing, her life a light that never dims, and her story one that inspires others to live with the same grace and generosity that she so effortlessly embodied.

Let us take a moment to reflect, to remember, and to honor Jasmine. And let us keep her family in our hearts and prayers during this unimaginably difficult time.

In Loving Memory of Dathan Ross Drummond – Forever in Our Hearts

It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that we share the passing of Dathan Ross Drummond, a beloved son, father, friend, and community member of Blackwater, Queensland. Dathan’s life, though tragically cut short, was one of vibrancy, warmth, and unconditional love. He passed away just as he reached his 30th birthday—a milestone that should have marked new beginnings. Instead, we gather to remember and celebrate the incredible impact he made in such a short time.

Dathan was a bright light in the lives of all who knew him. With a kind heart and infectious laughter that could lift anyone’s spirits, he was the kind of person who left a lasting impression after even a brief conversation. His genuine nature and ability to find joy in everyday moments made him a rare soul, one whose absence is already deeply felt by many.

A proud father to two beautiful daughters, Dathan’s life revolved around his girls. They were his everything—his motivation, his joy, and his greatest accomplishment. He poured his love into them wholeheartedly, working tirelessly to provide and care for their every need. He was more than a father; he was their hero, their protector, and their greatest supporter. His legacy will live on in their hearts and through the love he instilled in them.

Dathan’s hardworking spirit was evident to all who knew him. Whether on the job, helping out a mate, or lending a hand in the community, he gave his all. He never shied away from a challenge, often taking on more than was asked without hesitation or complaint. That determination and resilience were part of what made him so admired and respected.

To his family, Dathan was a cornerstone. A loving son, a supportive brother, and a loyal friend, he was always there when it mattered most. He had an intuitive way of knowing when someone needed help—or simply a laugh. His cheeky grin and easygoing nature made him a joy to be around, and his compassion touched many lives in both big and small ways.

As we mourn the tragic loss of such a beautiful soul, we also remember the joy he brought into our lives. The backyard barbecues, the laughter shared on the job site, the quiet moments with his daughters—these memories now serve as treasured reminders of the man we were lucky to know.

The community of Blackwater stands together in this time of grief, united by love and loss. Let us honor Dathan’s legacy by supporting his daughters and family in any way we can, wrapping them in compassion and care as they navigate the days ahead. Grief may be the price we pay for love, but it is also a testament to the depth of that love. And Dathan was deeply loved.

To Dathan’s family—please know that you are not alone. Your community mourns with you, stands with you, and holds you close. We send our deepest condolences and keep you in our hearts and prayers.

Rest in peace, Dathan Ross Drummond. Your memory will shine on in the hearts of all who loved you, and your legacy will live through the beautiful daughters you leave behind. You are gone too soon, but never forgotten.