Tragedy Strikes Henderson State: Beloved Basketball Star Jamarion ‘Jo’ Brown Fatally Shot

Arkadelphia, Arkansas — May 2025

The Henderson State University community is reeling from an unspeakable tragedy following the death of Jamarion “Jo” Brown, a beloved junior and standout student-athlete on the men’s basketball team, who was fatally shot in a heartbreaking incident earlier this week. Brown, a 20-year-old native of Mount Pleasant, Texas, is being remembered not only for his talents on the court but also for the warmth, determination, and positivity that defined his life.

A Bright Light Gone Too Soon

According to university officials, Jamarion Brown was killed in a shooting that occurred off-campus. While local law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, the news of his death has sent waves of sorrow across the tight-knit university community and beyond.

Brown was known to many as “Jo,” a nickname that stuck early in his youth and followed him through the ranks of high school and collegiate basketball. Standing out for both his skill and his sportsmanship, Jo was a junior guard for the Reddies, Henderson State’s men’s basketball team. Coaches, teammates, and fans alike admired his hustle, leadership, and infectious energy — qualities that helped define not only his athletic career but also his identity as a young man with limitless potential.

A Legacy of Passion, Perseverance, and Character

“Jamarion wasn’t just an athlete,” said Coach Jimmy Elgas, head coach of the HSU men’s basketball team. “He was a young man with an incredible spirit — the kind of guy who brought people together. Whether it was in the locker room, in class, or around campus, Jo made people feel seen and heard. He had a gift for lifting others up.”

Friends and fellow students describe Jo as someone who always carried a smile, no matter the pressure of the game or the challenges life threw his way. “He never let anyone feel alone,” said fellow student-athlete and roommate Marcus Wright. “If you were having a bad day, Jo was the guy who would notice and check in on you.”

Brown’s journey to Henderson State was marked by determination and discipline. A star athlete at Mount Pleasant High School, he had always dreamed of playing college basketball. That dream became a reality when he joined the Reddies, and in his time with the program, he became not just a player, but a leader — someone younger athletes looked up to for guidance, encouragement, and inspiration.

A Community in Mourning

The campus community gathered for a candlelight vigil Wednesday evening on the university quad, where hundreds of students, faculty members, and local residents came together to honor Brown’s memory. Many wore his jersey number and carried handwritten signs with messages like “Rest in Power, Jo” and “You Will Always Be Our MVP.”

University President Dr. Trey Berry released a statement expressing the institution’s collective grief. “The tragic loss of Jamarion ‘Jo’ Brown has shaken our campus to its core,” he said. “We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, teammates, and all those whose lives he touched. We are heartbroken. Jo represented the best of what it means to be a Reddie — resilient, driven, kind, and deeply loved.”

Counseling services have been made available to students and staff who are struggling with the emotional impact of Brown’s death. University officials have also pledged support for Brown’s family in the days ahead.

Remembering Jo Beyond the Court

Brown’s impact extended far beyond basketball. He was a criminal justice major who had aspirations of becoming a community mentor or youth advocate. Friends say he often spoke of wanting to make a difference in underserved neighborhoods and was particularly passionate about helping young people find alternatives to violence.

“He talked about going back home and building something for the kids — a gym, a center, a program,” said classmate and close friend Aaliyah Thompson. “He knew what it was like to grow up without much, and he wanted to be that light for someone else. That was Jo. Always thinking about others.”

Seeking Justice

As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting, and the investigation remains ongoing. Local authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The university and law enforcement have asked the public to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time but emphasized the importance of community cooperation to ensure justice is served.

Honoring a Life Cut Short

Plans are underway for a memorial service in both Arkadelphia and Mount Pleasant, where Jo’s family, childhood friends, and former coaches will gather to celebrate his life. The university also announced that it will establish a scholarship fund in Jo’s honor, aimed at supporting student-athletes who demonstrate leadership and community service — two traits Brown embodied.

“Jo will forever be a part of the Reddie family,” Coach Elgas said. “We will carry his name, his spirit, and his dream forward. He is gone far too soon, but his light will never be forgotten.”

Rest in peace, Jamarion “Jo” Brown — a teammate, a leader, a dreamer, and a friend.