Two FAMU graduates killed in Houston car crash during greek picnic weekend

A car crash tragically killed two recent graduates of Florida A&M University (FAMU) while they attended the Texas Greek Picnic, a multi-day celebration of Black Greek life held annually in Houston.

FAMU graduates killed in car crash

Ronnie Burns II of Duncanville, Texas, and Jayden Flemming of Miami, both 22, were members of the Alpha Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Known for their leadership and charisma on campus, the pair were traveling in a white Lexus sedan when a black Ford F-150, driven by a suspect fleeing police, violently struck their vehicle at a Midtown intersection.

Crash Details

• The collision occurred around 2 a.m. on August 2 at Smith and Elgin streets.
• The speeding truck T-boned the Lexus, which had the right-of-way at a four-way stop.
• The impact propelled the Lexus into a nearby building, igniting a fire that killed both passengers instantly.

Suspect Information

• The driver, identified as 21-year-old Rene Hernandez, had reportedly hit multiple vehicles and run several red lights before the fatal crash.
• Police smelled a strong odor of alcohol and believe Hernandez drove while intoxicated.
• He is currently facing two counts of murder and remains in custody following surgery for crash-related injuries.

Remembering Ronnie Burns II and Jayden Flemming

Burns, a computer science graduate, had recently begun a career as a software engineer at MasterCard in Atlanta. Flemming, a first-generation college student and accounting graduate, had earned acceptance into a global business master’s program in Germany.

“They were deeply loved,” said Keanu Capers, president of the Alpha Xi Chapter. “This tragedy has shaken our fraternity and the entire FAMU community. Their impact was felt far beyond our campus.”

Community Support and GoFundMe Campaign

In response to the tragedy, Capers has organized a GoFundMe campaign to support both families. “I am personally organizing this GoFundMe on behalf of both families involved to alleviate any more stress during this difficult time,” Capers wrote.

The fundraiser aims to centralize donations and provide financial relief for funeral expenses, transportation costs, and other needs. The organizer will distribute all proceeds equally between the Burns and Flemming families.

“Two families are grieving, along with countless others in our community,” Capers added. “We ask that you continue to keep their families and our entire community in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate this devastating loss together.”

To learn more or support the campaign, visit the GoFundMe here.