BATON ROUGE, La. — A wave of grief has swept through Baton Rouge and the Southern University community following the tragic death of 19-year-old Roderick Forkner, a promising college student who was shot and killed early on Labor Day, September 1, 2025.
Forkner, a sophomore at Southern University with dreams of a bright future, would have turned 20 next month. Instead, his family, friends, and classmates are left grappling with the devastating reality of his sudden and violent loss.
The Shooting
According to the Baton Rouge Police Department, officers were dispatched shortly after midnight to reports of shots fired near the Government Street area. Upon arrival, they discovered Forkner inside a vehicle, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Emergency responders rushed to provide life-saving measures, but tragically, Forkner did not survive. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not released further details on the motive or circumstances surrounding the shooting. No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains active. Detectives are urging anyone with information to come forward.
A Life Full of Promise
To those who knew him, Roderick was far more than just another statistic in Baton Rouge’s ongoing struggle with gun violence. He was a son, a friend, a classmate, and a young man determined to make something of his life.
Raised in Louisiana, Roderick pursued his studies at Southern University, where he quickly became known for his kindness, positivity, and unwavering determination. Friends describe him as someone who carried himself with quiet confidence and a genuine smile that could light up a room.
“Roderick wasn’t just a friend, he was family to everyone he met,” said one classmate. “He always encouraged others, and he never let anyone feel alone.”
Family members say Roderick was looking forward to his 20th birthday in October and had been planning celebrations with those closest to him. Instead, they are now preparing to lay him to rest.
Southern University Reacts
Southern University officials released a statement expressing heartbreak over the tragedy, noting the deep impact Forkner’s death has had on the campus community.
“The Southern University family is mourning the loss of sophomore student Roderick Forkner. We grieve with his loved ones and extend our prayers and support during this incredibly difficult time. Counseling and support services are available for all students affected by this tragedy.”
The loss has shaken students and staff alike, with many taking to social media to share tributes, calling him “a bright soul” and “a young man with so much ahead of him.”
Community in Mourning
The broader Baton Rouge community has also expressed sorrow and frustration, as Forkner’s death marks yet another life cut short by gun violence. Local leaders and residents are calling for greater accountability and stronger efforts to curb violence in neighborhoods.
Neighbors in the area where the shooting occurred described hearing multiple gunshots in the quiet hours of the night, followed by sirens and a heavy police presence. For many, the shock still lingers.
Seeking Justice
Police say the investigation is ongoing, and they are actively following leads. No suspects have been publicly identified, and detectives are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers or the Baton Rouge Police Homicide Division.
Forkner’s family, meanwhile, is pleading for answers and justice. “We just want to know why,” one relative said. “He had his whole life ahead of him, and now he’s gone.”
A Lasting Legacy
As those who loved him come together to mourn, they are choosing to focus on the life Roderick lived rather than the violent circumstances of his passing. His memory, they say, will live on in the laughter he shared, the encouragement he gave, and the love he carried for his family and friends.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days. For now, the community continues to rally around his loved ones, offering support and prayers as they navigate unimaginable grief.
The loss of 19-year-old Roderick Forkner — just weeks before his 20th birthday — is a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the urgency of addressing violence that continues to devastate families in Baton Rouge and beyond.