by Dalton Cleveland

Photo credit: Angie Simmons

The early morning hours of January 25th saw the tragic passing of Andre Simmons Jr. after being shot. Suspect Dumarion Stogner is being held on charges of first-degree intentional homicide.

Andre’s family and loved ones shared some of the things they remember fondly about him as they mourn his loss.

Andre was loved a lot by all of his friends and family. He was an amazing stepson, sibling, and father to his child. He started with a rough childhood and teenage years, but when he had his child he turned his life around to give his kid the life he deserved.

He loved to hang out with his friends and family. He wanted to be friends with everyone he could and always asked them how their day was. He was seen as very selfless, always putting everyone else before himself, always standing up for his family, and always knowing when someone needed help and how to be there for them. Very few people could compare to the kind of person he was.

“You know they say social anxiety would be scared of him,” said Andrea Simmons, his sister

Andre always had a good sense of humor, making everyone laugh, and loved music very much, with a deep passion for rap—one of his favorite artists being Ken Gates. He wanted to be able to make his own music.

He will forever live on in the hearts and minds of everyone fortunate enough to have known him.