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ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Washington University in St. Louis is mourning the loss of a student, a tragedy that has deeply affected the campus community. Out of respect for the family, university officials have not released details surrounding the student’s passing.

The news has cast a somber mood across classrooms, residence halls, and shared campus spaces. Students and faculty describe a period of reflection and grief, with peers checking in on one another and instructors pausing lectures to acknowledge the emotional impact on the community.

University leaders emphasized that support is available for students, faculty, and staff during this difficult time. Counseling and Psychological Services, wellness teams, chaplains, and other student support resources are offering extended hours and guidance for anyone struggling with the loss or related concerns. Officials have encouraged community members to seek help, reminding students that accessing support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

While the circumstances remain private, the tragedy has prompted renewed conversations on campus about mental health, stress, isolation, and the pressures students face. Many are responding with acts of compassion and connection, reaching out to friends and classmates, listening, and offering presence as ways to honor the student’s memory.

University representatives said the student’s contributions and presence on campus will not be forgotten. “We remember their efforts, dreams, and place within the WashU community,” officials stated, noting that the student’s legacy will live on in the shared commitment to care for one another.

The university encourages anyone struggling with grief or mental health concerns to reach out for support. In the United States, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for confidential assistance via call or text at 988.

PINE TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A 19-year-old Long Island man was killed Friday night in a single-vehicle crash in Lycoming County, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

Troopers identified the victim as Quinn Dowdell of Floral Park, New York. The crash occurred around 9:30 p.m. along Route 287, about six miles south of the borough in Pine Township.

Police said Dowdell was driving a Nissan Xterra southbound on the two-lane roadway when he lost control of the vehicle. Investigators have not released details regarding speed or roadway conditions at the time of the crash.

According to state police, the SUV traveled off the right side of the road, reentered the roadway, crossed both lanes, and went down a small embankment before striking a tree and overturning. The vehicle sustained heavy damage, trapping Dowdell inside.

Lycoming County Coroner Charles Kiessling Jr. said Dowdell was not wearing a seatbelt and suffered severe traumatic injuries. Emergency crews responded to the scene, but lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful, and Dowdell was pronounced dead at the scene by a deputy county coroner.

Authorities said Dowdell had been traveling from Ski Sawmill to Williamsport at the time of the crash. Route 287 is a rural roadway with winding sections and limited lighting, though police have not indicated whether road or environmental conditions contributed to the crash.

Dowdell’s body was taken to the Lycoming County Forensic Center in the Newberry neighborhood of Williamsport. The coroner’s office will continue to assist with the investigation.

Pennsylvania State Police said no other vehicles were involved and the crash remains under investigation.

LOS ANGELES — Dr. Thuong Tran, DNAP, CRNA, a certified registered nurse anesthetist and recent graduate of the University of Southern California, has died, according to statements from the university and colleagues. His passing has been met with widespread sorrow across the healthcare, academic, and nursing communities.

Dr. Tran was a 2025 graduate of the Keck School of Medicine of USC Nurse Anesthesia Program, where he was recognized for academic achievement, clinical skill, and dedication to patient care. During his time in the program, he received the USC Agatha Hodgins Award for Clinical Achievement, one of the program’s highest honors, and was also a recipient of a scholarship award recognizing his academic excellence and leadership potential.

Prior to entering nurse anesthesia training, Dr. Tran worked as an intensive care unit registered nurse, building a strong clinical foundation that shaped his transition into advanced practice nursing. His career path was guided by a commitment to service, equity, and mentorship within the healthcare profession. In 2021, while working as an ICU nurse, he attended a Diversity CRNA event that helped inspire his pursuit of nurse anesthesia education.

Despite the demands of his training and early career, Dr. Tran remained actively involved in mentoring future CRNAs. As recently as April 2025, he volunteered as a mentor at a Diversity CRNA event hosted by Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia, offering guidance and support to aspiring nurse anesthetists.

Colleagues and peers described Dr. Tran as compassionate, driven, and humble, with a strong commitment to excellence and service. He was widely respected for his leadership, generosity, and willingness to support others entering the profession.

The university has not released additional information regarding memorial arrangements. The focus, officials said, remains on honoring Dr. Tran’s life, career, and the impact he made on students, patients, and colleagues.

The USC Nurse Anesthesia Program and the broader Trojan community have expressed condolences to Dr. Tran’s family, friends, classmates, faculty, and colleagues, remembering him as a dedicated clinician and mentor whose legacy will endure through the many lives he touched.

A youth football tournament at the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa was called off Sunday afternoon, Jan. 18, after a violent confrontation led to at least one person being stabbed.

Mesa police and several emergency crews were dispatched to the complex along South Ellsworth Road shortly after 4 p.m. following reports of a large fight and a possible stabbing. The incident unfolded during an 18U football game, alarming players, coaches, families, and spectators at the venue.

When officers arrived, they found at least one individual with injuries believed to be caused by a knife. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Officials have not released information regarding the person’s condition.

According to witnesses, the situation began as a fight tied to a 7-on-7 football game and quickly escalated. Early reports suggested there may have been a shooting, but authorities later confirmed the injuries appeared to be the result of a stabbing, not gunfire.

Police worked to secure the scene and clear the area as emergency personnel assisted the injured individual. Out of an abundance of caution and concern for safety, tournament organizers canceled all remaining games scheduled for the day.

No other injuries have been reported, and police have not confirmed whether any arrests were made. Details regarding what sparked the altercation or who was involved have not yet been released.

The incident remains under investigation, and authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Mesa Police Department.

The Catawba College community is grieving the death of student-athlete Fletcher Harris, who was killed in a car crash late Friday night, Jan. 16. The collision also injured another young woman and resulted in felony charges against the driver of a pickup truck involved in the crash.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported that the crash happened shortly after 11 p.m. on Amity Hill Road near Cleveland, just east of the Iredell County line. A passenger vehicle and a pickup truck were involved. Harris, who was from Catawba, North Carolina, and his passenger, 19-year-old Skylar Nichole Provenza of Statesville, were both pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities said the pickup truck driver, 37-year-old Juan Alvarado Aguilar, was not seriously hurt. He was taken into custody at the scene and charged with driving while impaired, felony death by vehicle, and failure to appear. His bond was set at $251,500.

Harris was a member of the Catawba College men’s soccer team, where he played for three seasons. In addition to his athletic commitments, he was a strong student, pursuing a double major in Environmental and Sustainability Studies and Biology. He earned repeated academic honors, including placement on the Presidential Honor Roll and the Dean’s List.

Catawba College Vice President for Athletics Michelle Caddigan shared the institution’s grief in a statement, describing Harris as an outstanding student-athlete whose influence extended well beyond the soccer field. She emphasized his character, kindness, and dedication, noting that his loss is deeply felt across campus.

Men’s soccer head coach Alex Morais also reflected on Harris’s impact, describing him as a leader, teammate, and friend who inspired those around him. Morais said Harris’s commitment, positivity, and character left a lasting impression on the program.

Following the announcement of his death, tributes from teammates, alumni, classmates, and members of the soccer community have continued to pour in, many remembering Harris for his compassion, work ethic, and uplifting spirit.

Catawba College said details regarding memorial events and funeral services will be shared when available. The college has made counseling and support resources available to students, faculty, and staff, encouraging anyone in need to reach out to Catawba College Counseling Services or the Crisis Text Line.

As the community continues to mourn, Fletcher Harris is being remembered for his achievements in the classroom and on the field, as well as for the leadership, kindness, and positive influence he had on those around him.

LUMBERTON, N.C. — The North Carolina racing community is mourning the death of 22-year-old Junior Dragster racer Ethan Locklear, who died late Friday following a racing accident, according to members of the motorsports community.

Locklear’s death has sent shockwaves through both the drag racing and dirt bike communities, where he was widely known and respected. Fellow racers, fans, and organizations have shared tributes honoring his life and expressing condolences to his family.

A native of Lumberton, Locklear was a well-known junior racer who competed in numerous events across North Carolina and beyond. He earned recognition for his skill, dedication, and competitive spirit on the track. Friends and supporters also remembered him for his kindness, enthusiasm, and love for the sport.

Tributes continued to pour in on social media throughout the weekend, reflecting the impact Locklear had on the racing community. Many remembered him not only for his accomplishments behind the wheel, but for the positive presence he brought to the sport.

DragCoverage issued a statement honoring Locklear’s memory, calling his death a heartbreaking loss for the racing community and extending condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.

Details surrounding the accident have not been publicly released. At this time, no information has been announced regarding memorial services or funeral arrangements.

As the racing community grieves, Ethan Locklear is being remembered for his passion for motorsports and the legacy he leaves behind among fellow racers and fans who knew him.

SHREWSBURY, N.J. — The Shrewsbury community is mourning the loss of Connor Riley, whose death has left family members, friends, and neighbors grieving the passing of a well-loved member of the community.

Riley was remembered by those who knew him as warm, kind, and genuine, with a reputation for treating others with compassion and respect. Friends described him as someone who was always willing to listen, offer support, and bring people together through his positive presence.

He was actively involved in the local community and was known for his willingness to help others, whether through community events, volunteer efforts, or everyday acts of kindness. Many recalled his reliability and generosity, qualities that left a lasting impression on those around him.

In the days following his passing, residents across Shrewsbury have shared condolences and memories, coming together to support Riley’s family and one another during a difficult time. The response reflects the deep impact he had on the lives of friends, neighbors, and acquaintances.

Connor Riley’s death is being felt throughout the community he called home. While his life was cut short, those who knew him say his kindness, integrity, and care for others will continue to be remembered.

HOUSTON, Texas — The Houston community is mourning the death of Braylon Sanders, who was killed in a traffic collision, according to information shared by family and friends.

Sanders’ death has prompted an outpouring of grief from relatives, classmates, and neighbors, many of whom have shared tributes remembering his character and the impact he had on those around him. He was described as kind, outgoing, and someone whose presence left a lasting impression.

Friends and family said Sanders was actively involved in school and his community and was known for his determination and positive attitude. Those close to him recalled his willingness to support others and his ability to bring people together through his sense of humor and compassion.

Community members across Houston have expressed condolences to Sanders’ family as they grieve the sudden loss. Many have gathered to share memories and offer support, reflecting the strong connections he built during his life.

Details surrounding the collision have not been publicly released. At this time, no information has been announced regarding funeral arrangements or memorial services.

As the community continues to mourn, loved ones remember Braylon Sanders for the joy, kindness, and promise he brought to the lives of those who knew him.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Fire Department is mourning the loss of Fire Captain Scott Janowski, whose death was announced Sunday by the department. His passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and support from fellow firefighters, public officials, and institutions across Western New York.

In a statement shared on social media, the Buffalo Fire Department confirmed Janowski’s death and expressed condolences to those closest to him.

“The Buffalo Fire Department is deeply saddened by the loss of one of our own, Captain Scott Janowski,” the statement read. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fellow firefighters. Out of respect for Captain Janowski and his loved ones, we ask for privacy at this time. Additional information will be shared when appropriate.”

Captain Janowski was promoted to the rank of captain in 2022, a milestone that reflected his dedication, leadership, and commitment to public service. Throughout his career, he was known as a respected member of the department who served the City of Buffalo with professionalism and pride.

Following the announcement, fire departments and public institutions throughout Western New York released statements honoring Janowski’s service and offering support to his family and colleagues. Many described him as a devoted firefighter, a leader within the department, and a trusted presence both on and off the job.

The Buffalo Fire Department has not released information regarding the cause of Janowski’s death, and officials have asked the public to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.

Captain Janowski’s passing represents a significant loss for the department and the community he served. Firefighters across the region have shared tributes recognizing the sacrifices inherent in the profession and the bonds formed among those who serve in public safety.

As the department grieves, flags were lowered and firefighters paused to honor a colleague whose career was defined by service to others. Plans regarding memorial services or departmental honors have not yet been announced.

Captain Scott Janowski is remembered not only for his rank, but for his dedication to protecting the lives and property of Buffalo residents. His legacy will continue to live on through the men and women of the Buffalo Fire Department who serve in his memory.

Additional details are expected to be released by the department when appropriate.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Family members have identified the victim who was killed in an early-morning shooting outside a popular Lawrence, Kansas, bar over the weekend.

According to his father, Bobby Knowles, 18-year-old Aidan Knowles died after being shot outside Jayhawk Cafe, commonly known as The Hawk, early Saturday morning. Knowles confirmed his son’s death in a post shared on social media Sunday.

“Unfortunately, the news is true,” Knowles wrote. “Our son, Aidan, was shot and killed outside a bar in Lawrence early yesterday morning.”

The Lawrence Police Department later reshared the post, confirming the victim’s identity.

Police said a second victim, a 16-year-old, was also shot during the incident. Authorities confirmed the teen survived but remains in critical condition.

In his post, Knowles said his son was not the intended target. “We have learned that our son was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time,” he wrote. “We are completely devastated.”

The shooting occurred around 2 a.m. when Lawrence police were called to the scene and found two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Using K-9 units and drones, officers later located two suspects several blocks away.

The suspects were taken into custody and booked into the Douglas County Jail. Jail records show the individuals were booked on charges including first-degree murder.

Police continue to investigate the shooting as the community mourns the loss of a young life.