Robert Morales was also a former assistant high school football coach in Tallahassee.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — One of the two victims killed in the mass shooting on the Florida State University campus Thursday has now been identified as Robert Morales.
FSU’s Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship identified Morales as the dining coordinator at FSU Dining Services.
Morales was identified as a former high school assistant football coach in a statement from Leon High School Friday, where it wrote that he was a “beloved member” of the community and “served as an assistant coach for Leon Football with dedication, integrity, and a true passion for mentoring young athletes.”
Th statement says Morales was “a trusted coach, a respected colleague, and a cherished friend to many.” It can be found in full below.**
A GoFundMe has been established for Morales’s family by friends and colleagues of his wife.
The GoFundMe identifies Morales as one of the victims in the “senseless” shooting at FSU. The page says Morales leaves behind his wife and daughter.
Morales was one of two men who were killed in the shooting. The other has been identified by his attorney as Tiru Chabba, who worked in food service at FSU.
Six others were injured in the shooting, police said. Five had gunshot wounds and one was injured running from the scene.
Accused shooter Phoenix Ikner was also wounded when he was shot by police.
“We can confirm that all individuals who sustained gunshot wounds—including the suspect—are expected to survive,” the Tallahassee Police Department said Friday. A doctor with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare said his staff had successfully treated all injuries.
**Full statement:
It is with profound sadness that Leon High School Athletics Department acknowledges the passing of former Assistant Football Coach Robert Morales, who tragically lost his life during the Florida State University shooting on April 17.
Coach Morales was a beloved member of our athletic community and served as an assistant coach for Leon Football with dedication, integrity, and a true passion for mentoring young athletes. His commitment to the game and to shaping the lives of his players extended far beyond the field. He was a trusted coach, a respected colleague, and a cherished friend to many.
The loss of Coach Morales is deeply felt by all of us at Leon High School, especially during this difficult and tragic time. Our hearts are heavy, and we will join the broader Tallahassee community in mourning his passing. His legacy of leadership, compassion, and service will forever remain a part of the Leon Lions tradition.
We extend our deepest condolences to the Morales family, his friends, and all who were touched by his life and work.