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BATON ROUGE, La. – Arrest Made in March Shooting on Newcastle Avenue

A disturbing act of violence in Baton Rouge has resulted in the arrest of an 18-year-old man in connection with a shooting that occurred in March. The Baton Rouge Police Department confirmed the arrest of Jerry Huggins, who they say shot a man three times in the 12000 block of Newcastle Avenue, following a confrontation involving the victim and a group of teenagers.

What Happened on Newcastle Avenue

The incident took place in a quiet residential area, where, according to investigators, a father and his 14-year-old daughter were walking to their apartment when they encountered a group of teenagers. Reports state that the group began teasing the girl, prompting the victim to intervene and ask the group to leave the premises.

Authorities said the confrontation escalated into a verbal altercation, during which Jerry Huggins allegedly made threats to shoot both the father and the daughter. Moments later, he reportedly followed through on that threat, opening fire and shooting the man three times before fleeing the scene.

Emergency responders quickly arrived and transported the victim to a nearby hospital. He survived the attack, but the shooting left both him and his daughter traumatized. The girl, though physically unharmed, witnessed the entire event—a detail that underscores the emotional gravity of the incident.

How Police Made the Arrest

According to the Baton Rouge Police Department, the breakthrough in the investigation came thanks to a Crime Stoppers tip, which identified Huggins as a possible suspect. Detectives followed up on the lead and were able to develop evidence tying him to the shooting.

Following a thorough investigation, including witness interviews and forensic analysis, Huggins was arrested without incident. Officials did not specify the exact date of the arrest, but confirmed that he is now in custody and facing multiple charges related to the shooting.

A Community Reacts

The violent nature of the crime—and the fact that a young teen girl was involved and endangered—has left many in the community shaken.

“This is absolutely heartbreaking,” said one neighbor who asked to remain anonymous. “We’ve got families trying to live in peace here, and now a child has to live with the memory of her father being shot in front of her.”

Many are calling for greater youth intervention efforts, noting that Huggins, at just 18 years old, now faces serious prison time for a crime that appears to have stemmed from a needless and avoidable confrontation.

“This didn’t have to happen,” one community leader said. “We have to do better for our young people—before these situations turn violent.”

The Road Ahead

As of now, Huggins is facing serious criminal charges, including:

• Attempted second-degree murder
• Illegal use of a weapon
• Aggravated assault with a firearm

Authorities have not ruled out additional charges pending further investigation. The case is expected to move to the courts soon, where Huggins will be arraigned and potentially face trial.

Meanwhile, the victim continues to recover from his injuries, and his family is receiving support from community members and local organizations.

Ongoing Concern About Gun Violence

This incident is one of many that have spotlighted the escalating issue of youth gun violence in Baton Rouge and across the nation. As city leaders, law enforcement, and nonprofits continue to push for solutions, stories like this serve as stark reminders of how quickly everyday situations can spiral into life-threatening violence.

In Loving Memory of Marcia GrantSheffield’s Beloved Foster Carer and Lifelong Advocate for Children April 5, 2023 | Sheffield, UK

With broken hearts and immense sorrow, the Sheffield community continues to mourn the tragic loss of Marcia Grant, a devoted foster carer, beloved mother, and beacon of hope to many. On April 5, 2023, Marcia was senselessly taken from this world while courageously trying to prevent a young boy from taking her car—a heartbreaking moment that ended the life of a woman who had spent her own lifting others up.

She was 60 years old.

A Life of Compassion and Courage

To know Marcia Grant was to know compassion in action. For decades, she dedicated herself to providing care, guidance, and stability to children who had nowhere else to go. Her work in social care and foster parenting was more than a profession—it was her calling. Through love, patience, and an unshakeable belief in second chances, she helped transform the lives of those most in need.

Marcia’s home was a refuge. It was a place of comfort, healing, and above all, safety. She opened her doors—and her heart—to countless children over the years, becoming a fierce advocate for their futures and a source of unwavering support.

“She gave everything to those children,” a family member shared. “She wasn’t just a carer—she was a mother, a mentor, a protector.”

A Tragic Ending, A Heroic Act

On that fateful April day, Marcia’s instinct to protect never wavered. She lost her life trying to stop a young person—someone she may very well have once helped—from taking her car. In her final moments, she demonstrated the same courage and selflessness that defined her life.

Emergency services were called to Greenhill in Sheffield, but despite their best efforts, Marcia was pronounced dead at the scene. The event shocked the city and brought national attention to the risks faced by those who serve in the caring professions.

A 12-year-old boy was later charged in connection with her death. As the legal process unfolds, what remains undeniable is the sheer tragedy of losing a woman like Marcia in such a senseless and devastating way.

Remembering Marcia: The Heart of a Community

Those who knew Marcia remember her not only for her work, but for her warmth, infectious laugh, and uncompromising integrity. Her presence filled a room. She had a gift for making people feel seen, valued, and understood. Whether through a kind word, a joke, or simply her steady presence, she made life brighter for those around her.

Friends and colleagues described her as “the moral compass” of every team she joined. She stood up for what was right, even when it was difficult. Her strength wasn’t loud or boastful—it was steady, resilient, and quietly powerful.

“She was the kind of person who left you better than she found you,” said one colleague. “She believed in people, even when they didn’t believe in themselves.”

A Legacy That Lives On

Marcia Grant’s influence did not end with her life. It lives on in the children she cared for, in the families she supported, and in the professionals she mentored. Her example continues to inspire social workers, foster carers, and advocates across Sheffield and beyond.

Her family has spoken about their desire to honor her legacy—not through grief alone, but through action. They are exploring ways to support foster care initiatives in her name, and to continue the work she began.

A public memorial service was held to celebrate her life, drawing hundreds of attendees from all walks of life—proof of the far-reaching impact she had.

Forever in Our Hearts

Marcia’s passing leaves a painful void, but her spirit endures. She was a guardian, a giver, and a guide—not just to those under her care, but to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Rest in power, Marcia Grant.

Your life mattered. Your work mattered.

And though you are no longer with us, the love you gave and the lives you touched will echo foreve

In Loving Memory of Barney BrantinghamSanta Barbara’s Storyteller and Beloved Journalist

It is with profound respect and heartfelt sadness that the Santa Barbara community mourns the passing of Barney Brantingham, who died peacefully at the age of 93. A legendary journalist and treasured civic voice, Barney spent decades chronicling the rhythms of Santa Barbara life—its characters, its complexities, and its charm—through his iconic “Off the Beat” columns.

Barney’s passing marks the end of an era for local journalism. To know Santa Barbara through the eyes of Barney Brantingham was to see it with clarity, warmth, and curiosity. His words didn’t just tell stories—they kept the city connected, weaving the fabric of a community through observations both ordinary and profound.

The Voice of a City

Barney Brantingham’s career spanned more than half a century, first at the Santa Barbara News-Press, and later as a beloved columnist at The Independent. Through his widely read column, “Off the Beat,” Barney wrote about the city the way one might write a letter to a dear friend—thoughtfully, with insight, humor, and a touch of mischief.

His topics ranged from local politics to art, travel, and daily life. He wasn’t afraid to call things as he saw them, but his criticisms always came from a place of care. In an ever-changing media landscape, Barney remained a constant—a comforting, familiar voice in the pages of the paper, week after week.

A Life Rich in Curiosity and Connection

Barney was not just a journalist; he was a community institution. His warm demeanor, approachable nature, and genuine curiosity about people made him a fixture at events, city meetings, restaurants, and bookstores—anywhere there was a story to find.

To meet Barney was to be remembered by him. He had a knack for turning brief conversations into full portraits of people’s lives. He believed that everyone had a story worth telling, and he had the rare gift of knowing how to tell it right.

Colleagues, readers, and friends alike recall his ever-present notebook, his steady typewriter or keyboard, and his light chuckle that always preceded a sharp observation or witty line.

Tributes to a Santa Barbara Icon

Tributes have poured in from every corner of Santa Barbara and beyond—from longtime readers who grew up with his columns, to local leaders who respected his fairness, to fellow journalists who saw in him the gold standard of what community reporting should be.

One colleague remarked:

“Barney didn’t just report on Santa Barbara—he captured its soul. He held up a mirror and made us see our community, and ourselves, a little more clearly.”

Another friend shared:

“He had the mind of a reporter, the heart of a poet, and the patience of a good neighbor. He’ll never be replaced.”

A Legacy Etched in Ink and Memory

Though Barney is no longer walking the streets of Santa Barbara with a notebook in hand, his spirit lives on in the archives of his work and in the hearts of those who read him. His columns remain a time capsule of a changing city and a master class in thoughtful journalism.

He is survived by family, friends, colleagues, and a readership that spanned generations. Plans are underway for a public celebration of life in the coming weeks, where the community will have the chance to honor his contributions and share stories of the man who chronicled so many of theirs.

Final Words for a Final Column

Barney Brantingham gave Santa Barbara a voice when it needed one, and a storyteller when it didn’t know it had a story to tell. His passing is a monumental loss, but his legacy is firmly rooted in the city he so deeply loved.

Rest easy, Barney. Thank you for telling our story—and for being a part of it.

In Loving Memory of Jill Morris

June 2, 2025 | Goshen Township, Ohio

“A Beautiful Soul Gone Too Soon”

With deepest sorrow and aching hearts, we announce the tragic passing of Jill Morris, age 44, of Goshen Township, Ohio, who lost her life on June 2, 2025, following a devastating motorcycle accident. Jill’s sudden departure has left her family, friends, and the entire community reeling from the loss of a woman whose presence brought light, laughter, and life wherever she went.

A Life Filled with Energy, Warmth, and Love

Jill Morris wasn’t just known—she was cherished. To meet her was to encounter a force of positivity and strength. Her friends describe her as vibrant and fearless, the kind of person who could walk into a room and lift every spirit with her warm smile, contagious laughter, and compassionate heart.

Whether riding her motorcycle down open roads, volunteering in the community, or spending precious moments with her loved ones, Jill lived with intention and joy. She found beauty in everyday things and believed in making the most out of every moment.

A Tragic Accident, A Shattered Community

Jill’s fatal motorcycle accident occurred on a warm June day that turned unbearably cold with the news of her passing. Though emergency responders did everything they could, the injuries she sustained were too severe. Jill was pronounced deceased shortly after the crash.

The news sent shockwaves through Goshen Township. This tight-knit community, where Jill was known and loved by many, is now grieving the absence of a soul who made such a big impact in so many quiet, genuine ways.

Remembering Jill: A Daughter, A Friend, A Free Spirit

Jill’s legacy is one of kindness, courage, and freedom. She was fiercely loyal, endlessly generous, and unapologetically herself. She loved nature, music, riding, and time spent with those she held close. Jill had a unique ability to make everyone feel seen and heard—never in a rush, always present.

Her loss is especially devastating to her family, who remember her not just as a sister or daughter, but as the heartbeat of their home, the one who never missed a birthday, always knew when to call, and loved without limits.

As one friend put it:

“Jill didn’t just live—she lived out loud. And we are all better for having known her.”

A Community in Mourning

Tributes have poured in from across Goshen Township and beyond. Friends are organizing candlelight vigils and community rides in her honor. Social media is flooded with heartfelt messages, photos, and memories of a woman who left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

A memorial service to celebrate Jill’s life will be announced soon. Her family invites all who knew her to come together to share stories, embrace one another, and remember the joy she gave so freely.

Gone But Never Forgotten

Though Jill Morris’s time on this earth ended far too soon, the echo of her laughter, the warmth of her spirit, and the strength of her love will live on forever. Her passing leaves a space that can never be filled, but her memory will forever light the way forward for those she loved and who loved her in return.

Please keep Jill’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this unimaginable loss.

Ride free, Jill. The road ahead is yours now—endless and peaceful.

In Loving Memory of Michael Allen King

Tragic Loss in Simpsonville Single-Vehicle Crash

Grandview Drive, Simpsonville, South Carolina: The Simpsonville community is mourning a heartbreaking and solitary tragedy. On a quiet stretch of Grandview Drive, just before noon, Michael Allen King, age 56, was found lifeless behind the wheel of his vehicle—alone in the wreckage, his life suddenly and tragically cut short. There were no other vehicles involved, no passengers, and no witnesses to prevent what became an irreversible loss.

Emergency responders arrived to a haunting scene near Brentwood Way: one car, crumpled and still; one man, beloved by his family and community, already gone. Despite rapid response efforts, Michael was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving first responders, neighbors, and his loved ones in disbelief and sorrow.

A Quiet Man, A Devastating Silence

Michael Allen King’s death came without warning, without farewell. The Greenville County Coroner’s Office confirmed his passing, and as investigations continue into the cause of the crash, one thing is clear—Simpsonville has lost a man whose absence will be deeply felt.

In moments like this, words often fall short. How do you describe a life ended so suddenly? A man found alone, behind the wheel, in the place where life met its end—his body still, his story halted.

Michael wasn’t just a crash report or a breaking news headline. He was a father, a friend, a neighbor, a man of quiet routines and familiar places. And now, a space is left in the world where his presence used to be—unfillable, unmistakable.

A Town in Mourning

As news of the accident spread, shock and grief rippled across Simpsonville. Those who knew Michael describe him as a grounded man, thoughtful and humble. He kept to himself at times, but those who had the chance to truly know him speak of kindness, loyalty, and an easygoing nature that made him quietly unforgettable.

“He was the kind of man you didn’t have to talk to every day to know he cared,” one neighbor shared. “Seeing his truck drive by was part of the rhythm of life out here. Now… it’s just silence.”

In neighborhoods and homes throughout the area, hearts are heavy. Friends have stopped by to share stories. Candles flicker in windows. Even strangers—moved by the lonely nature of the crash—are pausing to reflect on just how fragile life really is.

Questions Remain

As of now, the cause of the crash is still unknown. Authorities are continuing to investigate what may have led to the deadly wreck. There was no indication of another vehicle, and no signs of evasive maneuvers, which has only deepened the sense of mystery and sorrow surrounding the accident.

Whether it was a medical emergency, a loss of control, or something else, the full picture may not emerge for some time. But answers, when they do come, will not soften the pain for those left behind.

Honoring Michael’s Memory

Though Michael King died alone, he will not be remembered alone. His family, friends, and the community of Simpsonville are gathering in both grief and love to honor his life. Memorial details and service arrangements will be shared in the coming days, and all who wish to pay their respects will be welcome.

In the meantime, condolences continue to pour in, offering comfort and solidarity to his loved ones in this difficult time. Online memorials and tribute messages, including those at Phizat.org, are helping preserve his memory and remind the world that Michael was so much more than the place where his story ended.

A Life Remembered

Michael Allen King leaves behind a community aching with grief but grateful for the moments they had with him. Whether it was through a shared conversation on a porch, a wave across a driveway, or a simple act of kindness at the store—Michael’s life mattered. His story, though ended too soon, touched more lives than he likely ever knew.

Rest in peace, Michael. You may have been alone in your final moment, but in memory, you are surrounded by love.

🕊️ #MichaelAllenKing #SimpsonvilleCrash #GrandviewDriveAccident #GreenvilleCountyCoroner #InLovingMemory #GoneTooSoon

In Loving Memory of Stephen Mendelsohn

Tragically Taken in a Pedestrian Accident

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news of the tragic and sudden passing of Stephen Mendelsohn, who was killed in a pedestrian accident. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene, and the shock of his loss continues to reverberate through his family, friends, and the community that knew and loved him.

Stephen’s passing was not just the result of a traffic incident—it was the loss of a life marked by kindness, intelligence, and quiet strength. A beloved son, friend, colleague, and neighbor, Stephen’s presence was a gift to everyone fortunate enough to have shared time with him.

The Accident

The fatal incident occurred when Stephen Mendelsohn was struck by a vehicle while walking, in what authorities have described as a tragic and unforeseen accident. Emergency personnel responded swiftly, but despite their efforts, Stephen was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver remained at the location and is said to be fully cooperating with law enforcement as the investigation continues. Authorities have not indicated that any charges have been filed at this time, and they are continuing to review all circumstances surrounding the accident.

A Quiet Force in the Lives of Many

Stephen Mendelsohn was a person who led with empathy, thoughtfulness, and purpose. He lived a life of integrity and care, often choosing to uplift those around him in ways both big and small. He was known for his keen intellect, gentle demeanor, and an unwavering commitment to fairness and truth.

Friends and family describe Stephen as someone who paid attention to the world—someone who read deeply, thought critically, and cared deeply about justice, equality, and the wellbeing of others. Whether through his professional contributions, his activism, or simply his friendship, Stephen left a mark that cannot be erased.

A Community Mourns

As news of Stephen’s passing has spread, an outpouring of tributes has emerged from across communities and walks of life. Former classmates, colleagues, neighbors, and advocates are mourning a man whose principles shaped not only his own life but positively influenced so many others.

“This is a heartbreaking loss,” said one friend. “Stephen was someone you could count on—steady, thoughtful, and deeply committed to making the world a better place.”

In online tributes and community gatherings, stories are being shared—of Stephen’s quiet acts of kindness, his tireless advocacy, his brilliant mind, and his ability to see the humanity in everyone he met.

Honoring His Life and Legacy

Plans for a memorial service are currently underway. Family members have asked for privacy during this deeply painful time but welcome messages, memories, and reflections from those who knew Stephen.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to causes close to Stephen’s heart—organizations promoting pedestrian safety, civil rights advocacy, or educational equity.

His family is also working to raise awareness about pedestrian safety, hoping that in the wake of such tragedy, steps can be taken to prevent similar incidents and protect lives.

A Life Gone Too Soon, But Never Forgotten

Stephen Mendelsohn’s life, though tragically cut short, was one of meaning, depth, and dignity. He will be remembered not only for the circumstances of his passing, but for the fullness of his life: a life defined by compassion, reason, conviction, and love.

He leaves behind a grieving family, a wide circle of friends, and a community that will forever feel the absence of his calm, steady presence.

Rest in peace, Stephen. You walked through this world with quiet strength and left it better than you found it. Your memory lives on in all of us.

In Loving Memory of Damone Ivy

Miami, Florida

Gone Too Soon in a Tragic Accident

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the untimely and tragic passing of Damone Ivy, a beloved son, friend, and member of the Miami, Florida community. Damone lost his life in a suspected DUI accident, leaving behind a wake of grief and heartbreak that continues to ripple across everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Damone was more than just a name in a headline—he was a vibrant soul, full of life, warmth, and generosity. His sudden loss serves as a painful reminder of how quickly and senselessly lives can be cut short due to reckless choices on the road.

A Life Filled with Light and Promise

Those who knew Damone Ivy remember him as a bright light with an infectious smile and a heart that welcomed everyone. He was the type of person who lifted others up, who could brighten a room with his presence, and who lived each day with sincerity and compassion.

Whether it was through his love for family, his strong friendships, or his everyday interactions, Damone left an indelible mark on those around him. He had big dreams, an optimistic spirit, and a future that held so much promise—one that was tragically stolen in a matter of moments.

The Crash and a Community in Mourning

The crash that claimed Damone’s life occurred under circumstances that are still under investigation. Authorities suspect that the accident involved a driver under the influence of alcohol, underscoring the devastating consequences that can result from one reckless decision.

Friends and family, reeling from the shock, have taken to social media and community gatherings to mourn his loss and call for awareness. One close friend wrote, “One mistake can cost a life. Damone should still be here. Please think before you get behind the wheel.”

The heartbreak felt by the community is profound. What was supposed to be a regular evening became a life-altering tragedy—a young man gone too soon, a family left in anguish, and a community left searching for ways to honor his life and advocate for change.

A Call for Change

Damone’s death is more than a statistic. It is a call to action. As the investigation into the crash continues, those closest to him are urging drivers to take the dangers of impaired driving seriously.

“This can’t happen again,” one mourner said at a local candlelight vigil. “Damone’s life was precious. If his story can save even one person, then his voice still carries forward.”

The pain of losing someone in such a preventable way is especially sharp. It’s a tragedy that leaves behind not only grief but also a powerful motivation to change the behaviors that lead to these kinds of senseless deaths.

Remembering Damone

Plans are underway to honor Damone Ivy’s life with a public memorial service, where friends, family, and community members will gather to celebrate the person he was and reflect on the many ways he touched their lives. Details of the service will be announced soon.

In his memory, loved ones are also working on launching a campaign to raise awareness about DUI prevention, hoping to turn their grief into purpose and to ensure that Damone’s name becomes a symbol for both remembrance and change.

A Legacy That Lives On

Though Damone’s life ended far too soon, the love he shared, the joy he spread, and the memories he left behind will endure. His smile, his laugh, his kindness—all live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

Damone Ivy is survived by family, friends, and a heartbroken community who will never forget him. His memory will serve as both a blessing and a reminder of how precious—and fragile—life truly is.

Rest in peace, Damone. Your light lives on in us all.

In Loving Memory of Eddie Forrest

Proud U.S. Marine, Devoted Husband, Loving Father

📍 Lebanon, Tennessee

With deepest sorrow and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Eddie Forrest, a beloved member of the Lebanon, TN community. Eddie passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a legacy of service, strength, love, and unwavering devotion to family and country.

A proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Eddie served his country with honor and distinction, completing two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. In every aspect of his life—from the battlefield to the ball field—Eddie was a man of courage, loyalty, and commitment.

A Life of Service and Sacrifice

Eddie Forrest was a Marine to his core—tough, disciplined, and always looking out for the person next to him. During his deployments, he became a brother to many, leading with quiet strength and fierce compassion. Those who served alongside him recall his calm under pressure, his quick wit in times of stress, and his unshakable belief in protecting what he loved.

He never boasted of his service. He didn’t have to. His actions spoke volumes, and his dedication to duty was etched into the lives of those who knew him—both on and off the battlefield.

A Family Man Above All

While Eddie’s military record was remarkable, his greatest pride was his family. A devoted husband, he was a pillar of love and support to his wife, a man who kept promises and made sacrifices so his family would never go without. As a loving father, Eddie’s world revolved around his children—and in particular, he cherished cheering from the sidelines at Bodhi’s sports games, proudly wearing the team colors and beaming with joy at every pass, goal, or win.

He was the dad who never missed a practice, the husband who always found time for date nights, and the friend who showed up when it mattered most. His home was a place of laughter, lessons, and love—a sanctuary shaped by his presence and protection.

A Community Mourns

The city of Lebanon has lost not just a veteran, but a neighbor, mentor, and friend. Eddie was always ready to lend a hand, help a struggling veteran, or share a story that lifted someone’s spirits. He was known for his firm handshake, hearty laugh, and the quiet way he looked after others without ever seeking recognition.

As word of his passing spread, tributes from across the community and country have poured in—fellow Marines, coaches, teachers, neighbors, and grateful citizens honoring a life that gave so much, so freely.

Honoring Eddie’s Memory

In the coming days, Eddie will be laid to rest with full military honors—a testament to his courage and service. Details of the funeral service and visitation will be shared with family, friends, and the wider community who wish to pay their respects and celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to organizations supporting veterans and military families, causes Eddie championed throughout his life.

Never Forgotten

Eddie Forrest leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured in years, but in lives touched and hearts forever changed. He lived with honor, loved with intensity, and left behind a standard of what it means to be a man, a Marine, a husband, and a father.

He is survived by his loving wife, children—including Bodhi—siblings, extended family, and a community that will carry his memory forward in every act of kindness, every standing ovation at a youth game, and every salute raised in his name.

Rest in eternal peace, Eddie Forrest. Semper Fi. We’ll carry the watch from here.

In Loving Memory of Sue Huss

EMS Director, Paramedic, and Beloved Community Leader

With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, we announce the sudden and devastating loss of Sue Huss, EMS Director and Paramedic of the Tonica Ambulance Service. Sue passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind not only a deeply grieving community but also a legacy marked by dedication, selflessness, and extraordinary compassion.

Sue was more than a public servant—she was the heartbeat of the Tonica Fire Department and a pillar of strength within the community. Her impact was immeasurable, her leadership unparalleled, and her love for helping others boundless.

A Life Devoted to Service

For decades, Sue Huss dedicated her life to emergency medical service, responding to calls in the darkest hours of people’s lives with professionalism, empathy, and calm under pressure. As the EMS Director, she led by example—working long hours, mentoring younger paramedics, and constantly striving to improve the quality of care for every resident under her watch.

She didn’t just serve her community; she stood for it. Whether it was through training sessions, outreach efforts, or simply being the first to show up and the last to leave, Sue’s life revolved around service. She never sought recognition or applause—her reward was knowing she made a difference.

A Mentor, a Leader, a Friend

Sue was a trusted guide to many who entered the world of emergency response. New paramedics often recall how she welcomed them with patience and encouragement, never turning down a question, no matter how small. She led not only with authority but with humility and warmth, earning respect from all who worked beside her.

Her presence at the firehouse was a source of strength, comfort, and humor. She was the one who checked in when you had a hard day, brought coffee to morning shift meetings, and remembered every birthday, every milestone. Her memory will live on in every medic who learned from her, every patient who found comfort in her care, and every colleague who called her a friend.

A Community in Mourning

Sue Huss’s passing has sent shockwaves through the Tonica community and beyond. Flags fly at half-staff, and tributes pour in from fellow first responders, grateful families, and local leaders who saw in Sue not just a public servant, but a community hero.

“She was the glue that held us together,” one colleague said. “She didn’t just answer the call—she was the call. Sue was EMS in Tonica.”

Her absence leaves a void that cannot be filled. The silence in the ambulance bay is a sobering reminder of the voice we’ve lost—but her spirit, her lessons, and her unwavering love for this community will forever echo in the halls of the firehouse and the hearts of all who knew her.

Honoring Her Legacy

Details regarding memorial services will be announced soon, and the Tonica Fire Department invites all who knew Sue—personally or professionally—to come together in remembrance, solidarity, and gratitude for a life so courageously and selflessly lived.

In her honor, the department will be establishing the Sue Huss Memorial EMS Scholarship Fund, dedicated to supporting the next generation of emergency responders—a fitting tribute to a woman who never stopped teaching, guiding, and giving.

Forever in Our Hearts

Sue Huss was a daughter, a friend, a mentor, and a protector. She gave everything she had to others, never asking for anything in return. She saved lives, built a family within her department, and set a standard of excellence that will inspire generations to come.

While her passing leaves us with broken hearts, we find comfort in the countless lives she touched and the love she left behind. Sue, your siren may be silent, but your legacy will forever resound.

Rest in eternal peace, Sue Huss. We’ll take it from here.

🕊️ #InMemoryOfSueHuss #EMSStrong #TonicaRemembers

In Loving Memory of Iv. Matthew Williams (Savannah, GA)

Sunrise: 2002 – Sunset: May 26, 2025

With hearts heavy with sorrow but full of gratitude for his life, we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Iv. Matthew Williams of Savannah, Georgia, who departed this world far too soon on May 26, 2025, at the tender age of 23.

Iv., known for his radiant energy, kind soul, and unwavering devotion to family and community, touched countless lives during his time with us. Though his time on Earth was short, the impact he made was deep and lasting. He will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Life That Shined Bright

Iv. was more than a son, a brother, or a friend—he was a light to all who encountered him. Born and raised in Savannah, he carried the warmth of the city in his spirit. His laughter was infectious, his words filled with encouragement, and his heart always open to help others.

Whether it was through church involvement, mentoring peers, or simply being a dependable presence for those in need, Iv. had a way of making everyone feel seen, heard, and valued. He lived with integrity, faith, and a sense of purpose that inspired those around him.

A Legacy of Love and Inspiration

Though Iv. has left this world, the legacy he leaves behind is one of love, resilience, and faith. Friends recall his unwavering positivity, even in tough times, and his deep-rooted belief that kindness could heal wounds the world couldn’t see.

To know Iv. was to feel comfort, laughter, and genuine friendship. He had a gift for lifting others up, even when he carried burdens of his own. He was a gentle soul who left behind powerful lessons about strength, humility, and unconditional love.

Celebration of Life

The family of Iv. Matthew Williams invites all who loved and cherished him to join in a Celebration of Life on:

📍 Saturday, June 7, 2025

🕙 10:00 AM

🏛️ Jonesville Baptist Church, Savannah, GA

This gathering will be a time to reflect, remember, and rejoice in the beautiful life Iv. lived. Through prayer, song, and shared memories, we will honor his legacy and lift our hearts in celebration of the blessing he was to this world.

Forever in Our Hearts

Iv. is survived by his loving family and an extended community of friends who will carry his memory forward in every act of kindness and every dream pursued in his honor.

In this time of mourning, may we find peace in knowing that his spirit lives on—in every sunrise, in every heartfelt prayer, and in every person who dares to live with the same light and love Iv. gave so freely.

Rest in power, Iv. Matthew Williams. Your memory is a treasure we hold close forever.

🕊️ #Savannah #RememberingIv #GoneTooSoon