By Tavon N. Thomasson
AFRO Intern
The Tuskegee University community is mourning the loss of junior Macahri Washington-Parker, who died Aug. 10 in Tuskegee, Ala. Sources told the AFRO that the 20-year-old died as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, though university police have not confirmed the cause.
“We are heart-broken to learn of Macahri’s passing,” Tuskegee President and CEO Mark A. Brown said in a statement. “We will come together to uplift his family and each other during this time. I encourage everyone to seek counseling as needed and lean on each other for support.”
Washington-Parker was a mechanical engineering major, a prominent Golden Tiger baseball player, and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Peers and faculty remember him as a leader whose influence reached far beyond the classroom and the baseball field.
“To me, Macahri was an outgoing and genuine person who left his mark on everyone he met,” said Collin McLain, a sophomore and teammate. “He was heavily involved across campus—serving as a new student orientation leader, sitting on various boards and always finding ways to contribute to the Tuskegee community.”
McLain said his connection with Washington-Parker began the moment he joined the team as a freshman, describing a relationship built on guidance and brotherhood.
“When I first arrived at Tuskegee, Macahri was one of the sophomores on the baseball team who took us freshmen under his wing,” he said. “He looked out for us, offered guidance both on and off the field, and led by example in the way he carried himself. His encouragement, laughter and kindness made a lasting impact on me, and I’m grateful for the time we shared.”
The family of Washington-Parker issued a written statement through a Facebook post by Georgiana Memorial Funeral Home, expressing their grief and remembering the lasting mark he left on those around him.
“While we understand the phrase ‘Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal,’ this loss has left an indelible mark on our family, friends, spiritual community, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated and Tuskegee University,” the statement read. “Our son was a remarkable young man whose light will forever shine brightly in the lives of many. Please pray for us as we continue to process our son’s untimely transition.”
The university is offering a combination of counseling services aimed at helping students manage their grief.
The loss comes amid ongoing concern about suicide among Black youth. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health (OMS), suicide was the third leading cause of death for Black or African Americans aged 10–24 in 2022, and Black males died by suicide at more than four times the rate of Black females in 2021. According to the 2023–2024 Healthy Minds Study, 13 percent of college students reported suicidal ideation in the past year.
The AFRO contacted the Tuskegee University Police Department for confirmation on the cause of death. As of publication, the department has not reported any information.
Memorial arrangements have not been yet announced.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988.
Great Job Tavon Thomasson & the Team @ AFRO American Newspapers Source link for sharing this story.
