According to the Columbus Dispatch, MarShawn McCarrel, 23, fatally shot himself on the steps of the Ohio Statehouse on Monday night.

McCarrel recently posted his internal distress, stating on his Facebook page, that “My demons won today. I’m sorry,” just hours before he was found dead. Lt. Craig Cvetan of the State Highway Patrol told the Columbus Dispatch that McCarrel was pronounced dead at the scene, with no witnesses, or evidence as to why this was done.

A former resident of the Hilltop neighborhood, McCarrel was widely known and appreciated throughout Columbus, OH as a field organizer for the city. In 2013, he founded a mentorship program called Pursuing Our Dreams, and was part of OSA (Ohio Student Association), where he worked vigorously to bring political power back to the community using the power of education and addressing the many social injustices with crucial discussion. He is also well known for his work within the Black Lives Matter movement, fighting in the name of the injustices of those in Ferguson, and the likes of John Crawford of Beavercreek, OH, to name a few.

“[…] I had to be broken to see what genuine happiness is,” McCarrel stated in a 2014 interview with 614 Colombus on Feed The Streets, an initiative where the community helped to feed Ohio’s homeless, in which McCarrel was the founder and an active member.

There will be a candlelight vigil held for MarShawn at 6:00 pm on Tuesday night at Dodge Park, located at 667 Sullivant Ave, Columbus, OH 43215. The family of MarShawn has also started a Gofundme to support not only his family in their time of need but his legacy. If you feel inclined, know that any amount is appreciated, and all donations go directly to McCarrel’s family.

Rest in power, MarShawn McCarrel.

 

ActivismBlack-lives-matterDeath