On May 22, 2023, 29-year-old Darius Trey Hoisten, a lifelong resident of Akron, Ohio, died unexpectedly. Born on August 24, 1993, to Gerry Hoisten and Kimberly Singletary, he was the youngest of three children. Darius graduated from Garfield High School in 2012, where he excelled in football and basketball, serving as a two-year starting quarterback and earning the American Team Award in March 2012.
He continued his athletic career at the University of Akron, contributing to the basketball team's participation in the 2013 NCAA Tournament. In 2014, he received a basketball scholarship to Georgia Southwestern State University. Professionally, Darius worked as a supervisor for the United States Postal Service and owned Hoist Auto Cleaning, LLC. He is survived by his daughters, Rylee L. and Nova E. Hoisten, and his partner, Meriah Lewis.
On the afternoon of May 22, Akron police responded to a shooting in the 1400 block of South Main Street in the South Akron/Firestone Park area. Officers found Darius and another individual with gunshot wounds in front of a residence; Darius succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. A third victim was located shortly thereafter on East Emerling Avenue. Preliminary investigations suggest that an argument escalated into an exchange of gunfire, resulting in the shootings. As of now, no arrests have been reported, and the case remains under investigation.
Darius's unexpected death has left his family and the Akron community mourning the loss of a promising young man known for his athletic talents and entrepreneurial spirit. Authorities continue to seek information from the public to aid in their investigation, urging anyone with relevant details to come forward to help bring those responsible to justice.
