Central Methodist University held a moment of silence following the tragic passing of one of their football players
FAYETTE, Mo. (KMIZ)
Senior Offensive Lineman #55 Torrance Evans passed away on Thursday after an argument between his roommate resulted in him being shot. Central Methodist University held a moment of silence during Saturday's football game in honor of Evans.
CMU football players carried Evans' jersey on to the field following the moment of silence. CMU played Grand View University, and in honor of the former player Grand View's team met CMU at half field to give them their #55 jersey.
Prior to kick-off, the team placed both Evans' home and away jerseys and Grand Views' jersey on the back of the bench. The stands were packed with both students and community members.
Joe Parisi is the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Athletics. He said the decision to play on came after a group discussion.
"The coach, the team, the athletics department made a decision that they wanted to continue to play the game," said Parisi. "So, we're trying to help this community heal and continue to be supportive for one another, and they felt that was the best avenue to do this."
A group of students held a fundraiser outside of the entrance to Saturday's game to help raise money for Evans' funeral expenses.
A Howard County prosecutor charged Kundarrius Taylor, 23, with first-degree murder following the deadly shooting according to online court documents.
On Thursday the Fayette Police responded to the 500 block of North Linn Street for a reported shooting, when Evans' body was found inside of the residence door.
CMU has been offering student's counseling to help guide them through grieving process.
"We've held several different sessions on campus to help them understand the grieving process, and what's going on here in this situation," said Parisi. "We have counseling resources for our student's every day here."
Taylor is being held at the Howard County Jail without bond, and will be arraigned on Tuesday.
