In Loving Memory of Amia N. Cox and Sontia R. Simmons
Gone Too Soon, Forever in Our Hearts
It is with heavy hearts and immense sorrow that we share the devastating news of the tragic deaths of Amia N. Cox, age 22, and Sontia R. Simmons, age 26, who were senselessly taken from this world in the early morning hours of July 7, 2025, in an act of violence that has shaken the community of Shively, a quiet suburb just outside Louisville, Kentucky.
The loss of these two vibrant, kind, and beautiful young women has left a deep wound not only in the hearts of their families and friends but throughout the entire community. Their lives, filled with promise, hope, laughter, and love, were cut short in a way that no one should ever have to endure or imagine. In the wake of this unthinkable tragedy, we come together not only to mourn but to celebrate the extraordinary lives they lived.
Remembering Amia N. Cox (2003–2025)
At just 22 years old, Amia Cox was a radiant young woman with an infectious smile and a heart of gold. Known for her quiet strength and the gentle, comforting presence she brought into every room, Amia was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, and friend. She was deeply passionate about helping others and had recently begun pursuing a career in social services, aspiring to make a real difference in the lives of those often overlooked.
Amia was the kind of person who would offer a listening ear to anyone in need, and she had a unique ability to uplift others even during her own hard times. Her family remembers her as the soul of their gatherings — soft-spoken yet fiercely loyal, with a laugh that echoed warmth and sincerity. She loved poetry, music, and had dreams of one day publishing a book based on her personal journey and the resilience of Black women in America.
Her potential was limitless. Her loss is immeasurable.
Remembering Sontia R. Simmons (1999–2025)
Sontia Simmons, 26, was a force of nature — dynamic, passionate, and full of life. With a bold personality and a heart just as expansive, Sontia was known for her fierce advocacy, her dedication to community, and her deep love for family. She worked as a youth mentor and community outreach coordinator, dedicating herself to building a better future for others.
Sontia was also a talented artist, using photography and spoken word as tools to reflect both beauty and struggle in the world around her. Her creative spirit was as unstoppable as her drive, and she dreamed of opening a youth arts center to provide safe, empowering spaces for children and teens in Louisville’s underserved neighborhoods.
Those who knew her speak of a woman who lit up every space she entered — strong, compassionate, and unapologetically herself. Her courage, her laughter, and her unwavering dedication to justice will never be forgotten.
A Community in Mourning
The shocking nature of this loss has sent ripples through Shively and across the greater Louisville area. Two young women, deeply loved and admired, were taken in a moment of senseless violence — a stark and heartbreaking reminder of the urgent need for unity, healing, and peace in our communities. Their passing leaves a silence that echoes in the hearts of all who knew them.
As families and friends grapple with the weight of this tragedy, they are surrounded by an outpouring of support from neighbors, faith communities, and local organizations who have come together to honor Amia and Sontia’s memory. Candlelight vigils, prayer circles, and fundraisers are being organized not only to provide comfort to their grieving families but to ensure that their lives are remembered not by the violence that took them, but by the love and light they brought into the world.
Honoring Their Legacy
Though their lives were cut painfully short, Amia and Sontia leave behind legacies that will endure. In their names, we remember the value of compassion, the strength of community, and the power of dreams. We call upon their memory to inspire change, healing, and the dismantling of the systems and mindsets that allow such violence to continue.
Their stories will be told. Their impact will be felt for generations to come.
To the families of Amia and Sontia — may you find strength in the love that surrounds you, courage in the days ahead, and peace in knowing that your daughters, sisters, and friends made this world brighter during their time here.