SFU students, faculty and staff gathered near DeGol Field for a candlelight service to honor the memory of Kevon Walker on the evening of Nov. 18.
Walker died on campus on Nov. 4. He was a freshman from Buffalo, New York, and a member of the Red Flash football team.
At the candlelight vigil, attendees gathered near the victory bell for a service led by Fr. Stephen Waruszewski, Director of Mission Integration.
The service was hosted by Campus Ministry, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, the Black Student Union and the Social Work Club.
“Kevon made such a positive impact in everything he did and he was loved by everyone on the team,” said Red Flash head football coach Chris Villarrial.
At the conclusion of the service, attendees placed their lit candles near the bell as a way of honoring his memory.
Walker enrolled at Saint Francis last August after graduating from Canisius High School in Buffalo.
“He had the drive of an 18-wheeler with three trailers behind,” said his stepfather, Don Dees.
Walker played along the SFU football team’s defensive line and on special teams. The Flash’s defensive coordinator and Kevon’s position coach, Jake Craig, described him as a tough and dedicated young man.
“You can tell everyone loved Kevon,” said his teammate and close friend Eyan Thomas.
“So many people gathered in honor of him. It shows that the SFU community is really all a family at the end of the day.
“When one hurts, we all hurt.”
SFU officials encourage those in need of grief support to contact the University’s Counseling Center at 814-472-3211 and/or Campus Ministry at 814-472-3172.
Sympathy cards for Kevon’s family can be sent to the Campus Ministry Office, where they are being collected and forwarded. A Mass in Kevon’s name may also be requested through Campus Ministry.
