A Young Life Taken Far Too Soon

In the early hours of September 1, 2025, the Southern University community and the city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, were struck with devastating news—the sudden and tragic passing of Roderick Forkner, just 19 years old. A bright, passionate sophomore at Southern University, Roderick’s life was full of promise, ambition, and purpose. Now, his light has been extinguished far too early, leaving behind shattered hearts and unanswerable questions.

Roderick wasn’t just a student—he was a dreamer, a leader, and a friend. His presence on campus was more than noticeable; it was inspiring. Professors saw in him a future leader. Classmates saw a friend who always had a kind word or a warm smile. His family saw their pride and joy, a young man who held their hopes in his hands.

The news of his untimely death has left a deep wound not just within his family, but across the Southern University campus. Chancellor John K. Pierre extended heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved Roderick, acknowledging the profound impact this young life had in such a short time.

 A Rising Star in the Jaguar Family

Roderick’s journey at Southern University had only just begun, but even as a sophomore, he had already left a lasting mark. Whether in the classroom, on campus grounds, or within student organizations, he embodied excellence and dedication. He was a symbol of what it means to pursue higher education not only for oneself but for one’s family and community.

His fellow Jaguars speak of Roderick as someone who uplifted others—a student who was always willing to help a peer study, speak up for those unheard, and offer encouragement during difficult times. He was majoring in a field he hoped would one day allow him to give back to his community, and he was determined to be a role model for those who came after him.

Now, those same classmates and faculty are left grappling with the painful absence of someone who should have had decades more to fulfill his purpose. His dorm is quiet. His desk is empty. But his memory echoes loudly in every hallway he walked, every heart he touched.

A Community in Mourning, A Family in Need of Support

As Roderick’s loved ones come to terms with this unimaginable loss, the Southern University community has come together in grief, unity, and love. Vigils, memorials, and words of remembrance continue to pour in—testimonies of a life that burned brightly and inspired many.

But even in the midst of heartbreak, the family now faces the daunting task of arranging services and honoring their son’s memory with the dignity he deserves. Support—whether through donations, kind words, or simply sharing his story—is needed now more than ever.

Roderick Forkner was the best of what our future could have been. Let us never forget his name, his impact, or the dreams he carried. Let us stand with his family, with his university, and with each other in remembering a young man who should still be here today.