Kevon Walker died on Monday, November 4, 2024. Saint Francis University (SFU), where he had started in the summer of 2024 to improve his academic and athletic skills, reported his death. There was no list of causes of death.
Manager of Athletics James Downer said, “The whole department is heartbroken over Kevon’s tragic and untimely death.”
“Even though he only spent a short time at Saint Francis, he made the football program better, was liked and respected by the team, and showed a lot of promise for a bright future with the Red Flash.”
We are sorry for Kevon’s family, friends, teammates, and coaches’ loss, and Downer said that the school was thinking of them “during this incredibly challenging time.”
Because of the tragedy, the University stopped all classes for Tuesday, November 5. Students who were upset could get help from guidance and counseling staff and tools.
Walker stood out as a football player at Canisius High School and Burgard High School before he joined the Red Flash. The 6-foot-3, 250-pound defensive end was named to the first team of All-Catholics at Canisius in 2023. This earned him a scholarship to play at Division I St. Francis.
Canisius had a beautiful legacy to give Walker when he heard the sad news of his death.
The school said in a statement, “We have great sadness over the sudden death of Walker. He was a freshman at St. Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania.”
In so many ways, Kevon was bigger than life in our building, said Principal Tom Coppola ’01. “He and his family had a great time at his Canisius High School graduation. It was great to see him so proud on that day.” We are very sorry for his family’s loss.
