Dejon Fox, 19—KSU Student Killed in Senseless Tragedy

The grief in Frankfort, Kentucky, is immeasurable today following the devastating shooting tragedy that stole the life of 19-year-old Dejon Fox, a student at Kentucky State University (KSU). Dejon was murdered on Tuesday afternoon in a brutal act of violence that shattered the peace of the campus. A second student was critically injured and is bravely fighting for their life. This senseless loss has left the university and the entire community in profound sorrow, mourning the bright future that was tragically extinguished.

The Nightmare That Descended on Campus

The sound of gunfire near Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall brought immediate terror and a campus lockdown to KSU. Within minutes of the 3:10 p.m. call, law enforcement, led by Frankfort Police, arrived, secured the area, and apprehended the suspected gunman, 48-year-old Jacob Lee Bard. The suspect, who was not a student at the university, is now charged with murder and first-degree assault. The quick response contained the threat, but it could not prevent the irreversible tragedy: the loss of Dejon Fox. KSU President Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo called the shooting a “senseless tragedy,” articulating the shared heartbreak of every parent and educator.

Mourning Dejon: A Life Stolen Too Soon

Dejon Fox was a young man with a life full of promise, his academic journey cut tragically short by violence. The grief of his family is compounded by the knowledge that this tragedy occurred in a space where he should have been safe, preparing for his final exams before winter break. As the community prays for his family’s comfort, they also hold the hospitalized student in their hearts, wishing them a full and speedy recovery from their critical condition. The words of Governor Andy Beshear resonate with the community’s desire for healing: “Violence has no place in our commonwealth or country. Let’s please pray for the families affected and for our KSU students.”

Resting in Peace: A Call for Unity and Healing

We extend our deepest, most heartfelt sympathies to the family of Dejon Fox. May his memory serve as a powerful catalyst for change and a reminder of the urgent need for a safer world. The KSU campus remains united in grief, with counseling and support services available to help students, faculty, and staff navigate this trauma. May Dejon Fox rest in eternal peace, and may his loved ones find strength in the care of their community.