2 men killed in Florida State University mass shooting identified as loving dads, food service employees

On Thursday, tragedy struck the Florida State University (FSU) community as two beloved family men and food service employees, Robert Morales and Tiru Chabba, lost their lives in a mass shooting on campus. Both men were among the eight individuals injured during the horrific incident, with the other six victims expected to recover fully.

The suspect in the shooting has been identified as Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old FSU student and stepson of a Leon County Sheriff’s Office deputy. Ikner was shot by Tallahassee police officers after refusing to comply with commands.

Robert Morales, one of the victims, was a former assistant football coach at Leon High School. The athletics department at the school released a statement expressing their sorrow at Morales’ passing, describing him as a dedicated and passionate mentor to young athletes. His commitment to the game and his players extended beyond the field, making him a trusted coach, respected colleague, and cherished friend to many.

A GoFundMe page has been set up for Morales’ family, raising over $31,000 to assist them during this difficult time. Friends of Morales’ wife, Betty Morales, organized the fundraiser to provide financial support as the family navigates the road ahead.

Tiru Chabba, the other victim, was a 45-year-old father of two from Greenville, South Carolina. He was working on the FSU campus as an employee for a campus vendor at the time of the shooting. The Strom Law Firm, representing Chabba’s family, confirmed his tragic death and emphasized the impact of his loss on his loved ones.

Chabba’s family is described as going through an unimaginable ordeal, with their lives forever changed by the senseless violence that took him away from them. The firm is calling for justice to honor the memories of Mr. Chabba and all the victims of the shooting.

Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, where Chabba worked as a regional vice president, expressed their deep sorrow at the loss of one of their employees in the tragic event. The company extended their sympathies to Chabba’s family and the entire Aramark community.

In the wake of the shooting, FSU canceled classes through Friday and athletic events through the weekend. The university held a vigil for the victims at Langford Green in front of the Unconquered Statue, providing a space for the community to come together and mourn the loss of Morales, Chabba, and the other victims.

As the FSU community grapples with the aftermath of this heartbreaking event, the focus remains on honoring the memories of those lost and supporting their families as they navigate the difficult road ahead. The outpouring of support and solidarity in the face of tragedy serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of the FSU community.