Two Florida A&M University graduates were killed by a driver who was allegedly impaired in the wee hours of Saturday morning in Houston. The 22-year-old frat brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Jayden Flemming and Ronnie Burns, were driving back to their Airbnb when they were struck. They had traveled to Houston for the annual Texas Greek Picnic.
According to KHOU 11, the alleged drunk driver, whose name is Rene Hernandez, was being chased by police when he ran a red light and struck the college graduates’ SUV. Their SUV burst into flames upon hitting a building. Flemming and Burns both died at the scene.
Flemming had plans of continuing his education abroad in Germany, while Burns had just celebrated securing a new job.
“They had a very bright future which was taken from them,” said Leonia Williams, mother of Jayden Flemming, who was killed in the accident, KHOU 11 reported.
“Trying to comprehend and I’m still asking, ‘why?” she added.
According to Tallahassee Democrat via ABC13, authorities confirmed that Hernandez will be charged with two counts of murder.
Police say the alleged drunk driver hit multiple vehicles and fled the scene
Hernandez, who was 21 years old and driving a black Ford pickup, was seen striking multiple vehicles before fleeing the scene, according to Precinct 7 Constable James Phillips.
“I’m sure when Mr. Hernandez left that bar, he didn’t think that he’d be involved in two murders,” Phillips said. “To the young folks who are drinking and driving, don’t do it. Catch an Uber. Catch some mode of transportation, but don’t get behind the wheel.”
Hernandez underwent surgery and remains in the hospital; he’ll be transferred to the Harris County Jail once he’s released from the hospital.
Texas Greek Picnic released a statement
“It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the tragic loss of Jayden Flemming and Ronnie Burns, two members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. from Florida A&M University who were traveling to attend the Texas Greek Picnic this past weekend,” Texas Greek Picnic’s statement began.
“On behalf of the entire Texas Greek Picnic family, we extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends, fraternity brothers, and the entire FAMU community during this unimaginably difficult time,” it continued. “We share in your grief hold you in our thoughts about prayers.”
In addition, Keanu Capers, who serves as the president of the Alpha Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi at FAMU, set up a GoFundMe page with the purpose of helping to cover funeral expenses, transportation costs, and other necessary expenses for both families.
“It’s difficult, having these conversations with the families…seeing how the communities are affected at this time,” Capers said, per FOX 26. “It’s not just the brothers, it’s the community as a whole. These individuals affected everybody.”
