A Tragic Night in Houston
The HBCU community is mourning the loss of two Florida A&M University (FAMU) alumni after a fatal car accident in Houston earlier this month. Ronnie Burns II and Jayden Flemming, both beloved members of the FAMU family and fraternity brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi, died when their vehicle was struck during a high-speed chase.
Authorities say the incident happened in the early morning hours of August 2, 2025, when a black Ford F-150, driven by Rene Hernandez, ran multiple red lights while fleeing law enforcement. The truck collided with the Lexus carrying Burns and Flemming, causing the car to ignite on impact. Both young men died at the scene.
Murder Charges Filed
Hernandez, who investigators say was intoxicated at the time, now faces two counts of murder. The charges reflect the severity of the crash, which police say was the direct result of reckless driving and disregard for public safety.
In addition to the fatalities, Hernandez reportedly collided with other vehicles during the chase before the deadly impact. Prosecutors emphasized that his decision to drive impaired and flee police turned a dangerous situation into a devastating tragedy.
A Voice of Remorse
In his first public comments since the crash, Hernandez expressed regret for his actions. Speaking through tears, he said:
“I’m sorry, and I hope that the Lord forgives me. I hope the Lord is with them in their pain and their suffering. It was never intentional, and that’s my biggest grief right now — the victims’ families.”
For many, hearing remorse directly from the man charged brought mixed emotions. The words acknowledged the gravity of the loss, but could never erase the lives taken.
Family Responds With Grace
Despite the unimaginable pain, the families of Burns and Flemming responded with dignity. Ronnie Burns Sr., father of one of the victims, accepted Hernandez’s apology on behalf of the family:
“It’s understandable. As a family, we accept that. We accept his apology.”
His wife added her own perspective, sharing the balance between grief and forgiveness:
“It was senseless, but everybody makes mistakes. I’m hurt. This was just the dumbest thing he could have done, ever in life.”
Their grace and resilience have resonated deeply across the FAMU community and beyond.
The Impact on FAMU and HBCUs
The deaths of Burns and Flemming cut deeply, not only because of the loss of two promising young alumni, but also because of what they represented: ambition, leadership, and the brotherhood of Black Greek life. For FAMU, the tragedy has sparked an outpouring of support from students, alumni, and Greek organizations nationwide.
This incident also highlights larger issues of accountability, reckless driving, and the lasting consequences of impaired decisions. Within the HBCU community, it serves as a painful reminder of how quickly lives can change.
Honoring Their Legacy
As the case moves forward, Burns and Flemming are being remembered for the joy, leadership, and commitment they brought to their university and fraternity. Their fraternity brothers and fellow alumni have honored their legacy with tributes, vigils, and calls for community unity.
Though the legal process is far from over, one truth remains: the lives of two young HBCU men were cut short far too soon, leaving behind grief but also a powerful legacy of brotherhood and resilience.
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