Author: Admin

It is with unimaginable heartbreak and profound sorrow that we mourn the tragic loss of Bobby McKeithen, a young life taken far too soon inside North Forsyth High School in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on December 9, 2025. What began as a school day ended in horror, leaving a family shattered, classmates traumatized, and a community forever changed.

According to information released, the suspect in this devastating act has been identified as Jatwan Cuffie. Authorities say a dispute escalated into a violent confrontation, ending with Bobby being fatally stabbed in a school restroom. Bobby was more than a victim — he was a son, a student, a friend, and a light to those who knew him. His future was full of promise, and that future was stolen in a moment of senseless violence.

When the school resource officer issued the urgent “all hands on deck” alert, law enforcement, deputies, and emergency medical teams rushed to the scene. They found Bobby unresponsive. Despite their rapid response, he was pronounced dead, and the weight of that moment fell heavily on everyone involved.

The school was immediately placed on lockdown to protect students and staff while officers secured the campus. Terrified parents were directed to the Joel Coliseum for reunification, many arriving in tears, searching desperately for their children and answers.

Governor Josh Stein called the stabbing “shocking and horrible,” offering prayers for Bobby’s family and for the entire North Forsyth community. Counselors and crisis support teams have since been mobilized to help students and staff cope with the trauma.

As of now, the investigation into this horrific act continues, and the legal process surrounding Jatwan Cuffie is ongoing.

Today, we remember Bobby McKeithen not for how he died, but for how he lived — his smile, his dreams, his presence, and the love he gave. His life mattered. His name matters. His story matters.

Rest in power, Bobby. You will never be forgotten.

YORK, Maine — The Maine State Police are investigating a tragic crash that occurred on the southbound side of the Maine Turnpike in York on Monday, December 8, 2025, resulting in the death of 81-year-old Janice Goldsmith of Needham, Massachusetts.

According to preliminary reports from Troop G Troopers, the incident took place at approximately 3:14 p.m. near Mile 5 southbound. A 2022 Western Star tractor-trailer had been stopped in the breakdown lane due to a mechanical malfunction. The operator of the tractor-trailer had taken safety precautions by placing reflective warning triangles in accordance with Maine law.

While the tractor-trailer was stationary, Goldsmith’s 2014 Toyota sedan collided with the rear of the truck. Emergency personnel responded swiftly to the scene, but tragically, Goldsmith was pronounced deceased at the location. Authorities emphasize that the cause of the crash remains under investigation, and they are working to determine all factors that contributed to this devastating event.

The crash caused significant traffic disruptions on the Maine Turnpike. Southbound traffic was reduced to a single lane for approximately three hours while troopers and first responders secured the scene and assisted with emergency response. Traffic was then restricted to two lanes for an additional two hours to allow for investigation and cleanup.

Maine State Police extended their gratitude to all assisting agencies for their prompt and professional response, including local fire and rescue teams, tow operators, and traffic management personnel who worked tirelessly to maintain safety during the recovery and investigation efforts.

This tragic loss is a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the unexpected dangers that can occur on roadways. The thoughts and condolences of the Maine State Police and the community are with Janice Goldsmith’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision and will release additional information as it becomes available. The public is reminded to exercise caution when traveling near accident scenes and to remain vigilant on all roadways.

Rest in peace, Janice Goldsmith. Your memory and the lives you touched will not be forgotten.

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Raul Malo, the celebrated singer, songwriter, and frontman of The Mavericks. Known for his incredible voice, magnetic stage presence, and boundless artistry, Raul leaves behind a legacy that has touched the hearts of fans around the world and transformed the landscape of country and Latin-influenced music.

Throughout his illustrious career, Raul Malo captivated audiences with a voice that was at once soulful, powerful, and unmistakably unique. As the driving force behind The Mavericks, he brought a distinctive blend of country, rock, Latin, and pop influences to the stage and studio, earning the admiration of fans and peers alike. His dedication to his craft and his ability to convey emotion through music made him not only a remarkable performer but a true artist whose work resonated across generations.

Malo’s accomplishments were recognized on the national stage, including CMA Awards, solidifying his place among the greats in the country music world. Yet, beyond accolades, it was his humanity, generosity, and connection with fans that left the most lasting impression. He shared his talent freely, inspiring aspiring musicians, and bringing joy to audiences through performances filled with passion and heart.

The news of his passing has left the music community and the Mavericks family in deep mourning. Fans around the world are reflecting on the indelible mark Raul left on their lives — through songs that spoke to love, resilience, and the richness of human experience. His artistry transcended boundaries, and his voice will forever echo in the hearts of those who had the privilege to hear it live.

To his family, loved ones, and the entire Mavericks community, we extend our deepest condolences. This is a time to remember Raul not only for the music he created but for the warmth, creativity, and inspiration he shared with the world. While the void left by his passing is immense, his legacy will continue to shine brightly through his recordings, performances, and the countless lives he touched with his art.

Raul Malo may have left us, but his voice, his spirit, and his music will live on forever. His journey reminds us of the power of music to connect, uplift, and leave an enduring mark on the world.

Rest in peace, Raul Malo. Your artistry, soul, and heart will never be forgotten.

NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. — A 38-year-old man, Steffon Ballard, is facing multiple criminal charges after a tragic incident early Saturday morning that left his brother, 46-year-old Jeffrey Ballard, dead outside the Elks Lodge on Third Avenue. The deadly confrontation also involved a third individual, whose identity has not been released. Police describe the shooting as accidental, occurring during a physical altercation in the lodge’s parking lot.

According to authorities, the altercation began inside the Elks Lodge bar and later moved to the parking lot around 3 a.m., after someone was escorted out of the establishment. Surveillance video obtained by police shows both brothers, Steffon and Jeffrey Ballard, involved in a struggle with another individual. Witnesses reported that Steffon pulled a firearm from his sock and struck the other man with the gun in a frantic struggle.

During the scuffle, the weapon accidentally discharged, and a bullet struck Jeffrey in the upper left thigh. Emergency personnel immediately transported him to a local hospital, but despite their efforts, he succumbed to blood loss, leaving his family and the community devastated.

Steffon Ballard now faces multiple charges, including homicide, attempted homicide, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. At this time, Steffon is not in custody, and authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deadly confrontation.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the New Kensington community, where Jeffrey Ballard was known both as a dedicated security professional and a committed member of the lodge. Residents and friends have expressed grief and disbelief over the tragic loss of life, emphasizing the devastating consequences of gun violence and accidental shootings.

Police and investigators are asking anyone with additional information about the altercation or surrounding events to come forward to aid the ongoing investigation.

This tragedy serves as a painful reminder of how quickly a moment of conflict can escalate into irreversible loss. The memory of Jeffrey Ballard will live on through the lives he touched, and his death underscores the urgent importance of firearm safety and responsible handling.

With hearts weighed down by grief and sorrow, we honor the life and memory of Jarrod Edward Garwood, 43, whose life was tragically taken in a devastating highway collision that should never have happened.

On the evening of December 7, 2025, Jarrod was traveling along Highway 99 near Rogue River when a moment of darkness forever changed the lives of those who loved him. While pushing a go-kart along the roadway, he was struck by a southbound vehicle. The impact was fatal. The pain of his sudden loss has rippled through his family, friends, and community, leaving behind silence where there was once laughter, and heartbreak where there was once life.

Jarrod was more than the circumstances of that night. He was a friend, a brother, a son, and a soul who mattered. Those who knew him speak of his spirit, his strength, and the unique way he showed up for the people around him. He carried a presence that brought people together, and a heart that remembered others when they needed it the most. His life had purpose, and his memory will not fade.

The weight of this tragedy is made heavier by the circumstances surrounding it. The vehicle involved initially fled the scene before later contact was made with authorities. An arrest has since been made, and an investigation remains ongoing. While justice follows its course, the ache of loss remains raw and real.

We also hold in our thoughts James Eric Johannes, who suffered injuries in the same incident, and we wish him strength and healing. No one walks away unchanged from a tragedy like this.

As the highway reopened and the sirens fell silent, the grief did not stop. It moved into living rooms, into hearts, into empty spaces that will never be filled. But in that grief lives something powerful: love, memory, and the unbreakable truth that Jarrod Garwood’s life mattered deeply.

May his memory be carried in stories told, laughter shared, and love given.

May his spirit rest in peace.

And may his family find comfort in knowing he will never be forgotten.

ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. — With profound sorrow, the St. Charles County community mourns the loss of Lt. Sarah McCarthy, a dedicated public servant and beloved colleague who passed away following a medical emergency while in the line of duty. Her sudden loss has left a deep void in the hearts of those she served alongside, the families she helped, and the countless lives she touched throughout her 23 years of remarkable service.

Sarah began her career with the St. Charles County Ambulance District in 2002, answering a calling rooted in compassion, courage, and selflessness. In 2016, she was promoted to lieutenant, a role in which she became not only a leader, but a mentor and role model to so many in emergency medical services. Her presence was steady, her voice reassuring, and her heart unwaveringly centered on caring for others.

Beyond her day-to-day role, Sarah was a proud member of the district’s Honor Guard and a cherished part of the STARS team, which works closely with special needs pediatric patients and their families. This work was especially close to her heart. She didn’t just respond to emergencies — she built relationships, comforted families, and brought light to some of the most challenging moments in people’s lives.

On November 21, while on duty at Station 12 in St. Peters, Sarah experienced chest pain and was rushed to the hospital by her coworkers. She underwent emergency surgery, and despite a brave fight and tireless efforts by medical teams, she suffered a grave setback on December 4 and was transferred to a St. Louis hospital. Surrounded by those who loved her, Sarah passed away with her family by her side.

Even in her final moments, Sarah gave one last, extraordinary gift to the world — she donated her organs, offering the chance of life and healing to others. It was a final act that perfectly reflected the way she lived: serving others with generosity, courage, and love.

Chief Skip Stephens beautifully captured the impact she had, saying, “To briefly encapsulate Sarah’s contributions to the District and our community is impossible – she was a fierce advocate willing to undertake any action necessary for an individual in need. Her dedication to patients – particularly our STARS families – was unwavering, and an example that we can all hope to strive for.”

Following the announcement of her passing, messages of grief, gratitude, and remembrance poured in from colleagues and community members who had worked beside her, learned from her, and been helped by her. Their words reflected what so many knew to be true — Sarah was more than a coworker. She was family.

Funeral arrangements are currently pending, and the district has pledged to work closely with the McCarthy family to provide support and comfort in this unimaginably difficult time.

Lt. Sarah McCarthy will be remembered not only for the uniform she wore, but for the heart she carried within it. Her legacy lives on in every life she touched, every patient she helped, and every emergency responder she inspired.

Rest in peace, Sarah.

Your service, your spirit, and your love will never be forgotten.

It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that we share the tragic news of the passing of Joseph Pachak, a beloved member of the San Juan County community who had been reported missing since November 27. After days of uncertainty, searching, and hope, Joseph was found deceased, and his remains were recovered from a pond located on his property.

This heartbreaking discovery has brought profound grief to all who knew and loved him. While words can never fully ease the pain of such a loss, they can help honor the life of a man who mattered deeply to his family, friends, and community.

Joseph was more than a missing person report — he was a son, a friend, a neighbor, and a soul whose presence left an impact on the lives around him. Those who knew him remember him for his character, his kindness, and the quiet ways he showed he cared. Whether through conversations shared, help freely given, or time spent together, Joseph built bonds that will not be broken by his passing.

The days following his disappearance were filled with worry, prayers, and tireless efforts by family, friends, search teams, and volunteers who held onto hope. Though the outcome was not what anyone wished for, their dedication and compassion reflect how loved and valued Joseph truly was.

The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office expressed its condolences to the Pachak family, acknowledging both the grief of this moment and the extraordinary efforts made during the search.

To the Pachak family, no words can truly heal the ache in your hearts, but may you find comfort in the love that surrounds you and in the memories that will live on forever.

Joseph Pachak will be remembered not for the way he left this world, but for the life he lived in it — for the moments shared, the smiles given, and the love he carried.

Rest in peace, Joseph.

You are loved.

You are missed.

You will never be forgotten.

FRANKFORT, Ky. —A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded Tuesday afternoon at Kentucky State University in Frankfort, where one student was killed and another critically injured in a shooting that has shaken the campus community and beyond.

According to school officials and police, the incident occurred near Whitney M. Young Jr. Hall, a residence hall located on the south side of the campus. Officers with the Frankfort Police Department responded to reports of an “active aggressor” on campus and secured the scene within a short period of time.

Authorities confirmed that two students were shot during the incident. One student later died from their injuries, while the second victim was transported to a nearby hospital and is currently listed in stable but critical condition.

Investigators stated that a suspect is in custody, a development confirmed by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and local law enforcement. Preliminary information indicates the shooting stemmed from a personal dispute and was not considered a random act of violence or a larger active-shooter scenario, according to an official briefed on the situation.

In a statement to students and staff, Kentucky State University officials emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the campus community. However, out of an abundance of caution, the university has placed the campus under lockdown until further notice while police continue their investigation.

Students, faculty, and families have expressed shock and grief over the incident, with many gathering in prayer and support for the victims and their loved ones. Counseling and support services are expected to be made available for those impacted by the tragedy.

“This is a difficult day for our campus and our Frankfort community,” officials said in a statement. “We ask for prayers and compassion as we navigate this tragic situation together.”

Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and said additional information will be released as it becomes available.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY —Authorities in Montgomery County have released an update following a devastating double-fatal crash that occurred yesterday involving Richard Neal, 39, and claiming the lives of Masey Ward and Rogelio Diaz Gomez, shedding further light on the circumstances that led to the tragedy and the criminal charges now facing the suspected driver.

According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, Richard Neal, 39, is currently being held in the Montgomery County Jail. He has been formally charged with two counts of operating while intoxicated causing death and two counts of criminal recklessness in connection with the deadly crash that occurred along State Road 231.

Investigators say Neal was traveling along U.S. 231 when he reportedly passed several stopped vehicles before striking a vehicle traveling southbound. The force of the impact caused a chain-reaction collision involving multiple vehicles. The severity of the wreckage prompted authorities to completely shut down the roadway between 500 South and 700 South for several hours as emergency responders worked to assist victims and reconstruct the scene.

The crash claimed the lives of Masey Ward, a young woman whose life was cut tragically short, and a 38-year-old man identified as Rogelio Diaz Gomez. Their deaths have shaken the community, leaving families, friends, and neighbors grieving an unimaginable loss.

Emergency crews, sheriff’s deputies, and investigators responded swiftly to the scene, but despite their efforts, both victims were pronounced deceased due to the severity of their injuries. The crash remains under active investigation as authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to the fatal collision.

Community members have gathered in support of the victims’ families, offering prayers, condolences, and remembrance. Local leaders have also renewed calls for safer driving practices and the serious consequences of impaired and reckless driving.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department has stated that additional information may be released as the investigation continues and court proceedings move forward.

This tragic incident stands as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of impaired and reckless driving, and the irreversible impact such actions can have on innocent lives.

It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we share the passing of Griffin Mayhew of Wilton, a devoted member of the RSU 9 Board, who passed away yesterday. This heartbreaking loss has left a deep void in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him. Our thoughts, prayers, and sincerest condolences extend to the entire Mayhew family during this incredibly difficult time.

Griffin was an extraordinary young man whose life was defined by service, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to others. Throughout his time on the RSU 9 Board, he demonstrated a rare level of integrity, thoughtfulness, and dedication that inspired colleagues and community members alike. He believed deeply in the power of education and worked tirelessly to support students, educators, and families across the district.

Beyond his service on the Board, Griffin was a passionate advocate for student life and activities at the Mt. Blue Campus. He was a familiar and trusted presence at school events, always ready with encouragement, guidance, and a genuine smile. His involvement was not rooted in obligation, but in authentically caring about the success and well-being of the young people he served.

Griffin’s impact extended beyond RSU 9. He was also a valued member of the University of Maine at Augusta, where he worked and was respected for his professionalism, kindness, and strong work ethic. His loss will be felt not only within the school district, but throughout the broader community that he so faithfully served.

In honor of Griffin’s life and legacy, and out of deep respect for the Mayhew family, the regularly scheduled RSU 9 Board meeting has been postponed. This pause reflects the immense respect held for him and the space needed for reflection and mourning.

Though words cannot ease the pain of this loss, Griffin’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the students he championed, and the positive change he brought to his community.

Rest in peace, Griffin Mayhew.

Your light, your service, and your kindness will never be forgotten.