Travis "TJ" Huntley, a 20-year-old native of Tallahassee, Florida, tragically lost his life on November 27, 2022. He was fatally shot at an outdoor basketball court on the campus of Florida A&M University (FAMU). The incident occurred at the Hansel Tookes Student Recreation Center, where Huntley and four others, including a 16-year-old boy, were struck by gunfire. The shooting took place while more than a dozen people were either playing basketball or watching the games.
Emergency services quickly transported all five victims to a local hospital, but unfortunately, Huntley succumbed to his injuries later that night.
Huntley was well-known in the Tallahassee community, particularly for his love of basketball. He played for the varsity team at FAMU's Developmental Research School (FAMU DRS), a K-12 laboratory school affiliated with the university. His former coach and teammates remembered him as a respectful athlete and a model player who inspired others to perform at their best. Beyond basketball, Huntley had recently developed a passion for cooking and was known for his chicken alfredo, which he occasionally sold by the plate around town. He had also secured a job at Habitat for Humanity, where he volunteered as a construction worker helping to build houses.
The investigation into Huntley's death revealed that the shooting was a targeted attack. The Tallahassee Police Department launched an extensive search for the suspect who fired into the crowd. In June 2024, a man was found guilty of the mass shooting that resulted in Huntley's death. The conviction brought some measure of justice to Huntley's family and friends, who had been mourning his loss and seeking answers since the tragic event.
Huntley's death highlighted the ongoing issue of gun violence in the community and the need for increased safety measures on college campuses. His family, friends, and the broader Tallahassee community continue to remember him for his vibrant personality, his love for basketball, and his aspirations in the culinary arts. The loss of such a young and promising individual has left a lasting impact on those who knew him and the community at large.
