Deon Davis Obituary
Henry Clay High School Mourns the Loss of 16-Year-Old Deon Davis
The Henry Clay High School community is grieving the tragic loss of Deon Davis, a 16-year-old junior, who passed away after being pulled from a lake in Lexington on Friday night.
Deon was swimming or diving with friends at Reservoir No. 2 near Laketower Drive when he failed to resurface, according to the Fayette County coroner’s office. He was pronounced dead at 8:54 p.m. at the University of Kentucky’s emergency room. The cause of death is pending an autopsy.
In a heartfelt letter to families, Principal Corye Franklin described Deon as a student known for his sense of humor, his bright and contagious smile, and his many talents both on and off the basketball court. “Deon was beloved by his teachers, teammates, and friends. His absence will be deeply felt by our entire community,” Franklin wrote.
Deon was a valued member of the school’s boys varsity basketball team. Coach Daniel Brown expressed the team’s devastation: “Deon was everyone’s best friend and never met a stranger. He always had a smile on his face and a willingness to help anyone in need. Our prayers are with his family and loved ones.”
The Henry Clay boys basketball team shared a tribute to Deon on their Facebook page, stating, “The Blue Devil basketball community is deeply saddened by the recent tragedy that took the life of Deon Davis. Our hearts go out to his family, teammates, parents, coaches, and all the lives Deon touched. He will be greatly missed and forever a Henry Clay Blue Devil.”
District Chief Zach Ferguson of the Lexington Fire Department reported that other teens at the scene said Deon had jumped off a dock and did not know how to swim. This information has yet to be confirmed. The boy was found in water about seven feet deep by two divers and two surface swimmers after being underwater for approximately 40 minutes. He was pulled out at 8:10 p.m.
Deon’s passing marks the second loss for Henry Clay High School in just a week. Seventeen-year-old Emeka Emmanuel Mwakadi died on May 10 after falling ill in a classroom. His cause of death is still pending, although his family reported that he was injured while breaking up a fight at school days before his death.
Principal Franklin addressed the community’s sorrow: “Our community has suffered two unimaginable losses in a short period of time. We will have grief counselors and crisis support available at school next week to support our students and staff. At home, please look for changes in behavior that may signal your child needs additional grief support. If you feel your child needs help or resources, please talk to our counselors or your healthcare provider so we can work together to support your child.”
The Henry Clay High School community stands united in their grief, honoring the memory of Deon Davis and providing support to one another during this difficult time.
Henry Clay High School mourns loss of student who died after being pulled from reservoir (yahoo.com)
