In Memoriam: Tiru Chabba and Robert Morales — Victims of the Florida State University Shooting
Tallahassee, FL — April 18, 2025
Florida State University and its extended community are mourning the tragic loss of two lives taken far too soon during a deadly shooting that occurred on campus shortly before noon on Thursday. The victims, identified as Tiru Chabba, 45, and Robert Morales, were killed in a senseless act of violence that also left six others wounded. The alleged shooter, identified by authorities as 20-year-old FSU student Phoenix Ikner, opened fire on campus, shattering the calm of an ordinary spring day.
Tiru Chabba, a husband, father, and dedicated employee of a campus vendor, was on FSU grounds in the course of his work when his life was taken. His employer, represented by Strom Law Firm in Greenville, South Carolina, confirmed his identity and released a moving statement about his life and the devastation left in his absence.
“Tiru Chabba’s family is going through the unimaginable now,” said attorney Pete Strom. “Instead of hiding Easter eggs and visiting with friends and family, they’re living a nightmare where this loving father and devoted husband was stolen from them in an act of senseless and preventable violence.”
Chabba is survived by his wife and two children, who are now facing a future without their beloved husband and father. In this time of immense grief, the Chabba family has requested privacy and prayers, while legal representatives have vowed to pursue justice that honors his memory and the lives of all impacted by this horrific event.
His employer, Aramark, also issued a statement, expressing sorrow and solidarity:
“We are heartbroken to confirm that an Aramark employee was among those killed at FSU yesterday in that senseless act of violence. We are absolutely shaken by the news and our deepest sympathies are with the family and our entire Aramark community.”
Also among the victims was Robert Morales, a long-time and beloved figure within the FSU community. Morales had served as a university dining coordinator since 2015, according to his LinkedIn profile. He was not just a colleague but a friend and mentor to many in the campus dining and student services departments.
Morales’ brother, Ricardo Morales Jr., took to social media to share his heartbreak:
“Today we lost my younger Brother, he was one of the victims killed at FSU,” Ricardo wrote. “He loved his job at FSU and his beautiful Wife and Daughter. I’m glad you were in my life.”
A proud FSU alumnus, Morales had studied criminology at the university in the early 1990s. While his profile also listed him as CEO of the now-defunct Black Bean Food Group, it was clear his primary passion was his role at the university, where he poured his energy into serving the FSU community every single day.
Friends and colleagues have described both men as hardworking, compassionate, and deeply rooted in their communities. Their sudden and violent deaths have sent shockwaves through the campus and beyond, sparking mourning, anger, and urgent calls for change.
In the aftermath of the shooting, students, faculty, and staff have gathered at makeshift memorials across campus to pay their respects and support one another. Grief counselors have been made available, and university officials have vowed to strengthen campus safety while honoring the lives lost.
This tragedy leaves behind more than just broken hearts—it leaves behind families who must rebuild, colleagues who must carry on, and a community left searching for answers.
As we reflect on the lives of Tiru Chabba and Robert Morales, let us remember their kindness, their dedication, and the love they gave to those around them. Their presence made a difference. Their loss is immeasurable.
Please keep their families, loved ones, and the entire Florida State University community in your thoughts and prayers.