Orlando, Florida — The death of a young college student has cast a shadow over the memories shared by his grieving father. Timothy Schmidt, Sr. struggles to cope with the loss of his son, Timothy Schmidt, Jr. — a spirited 19-year-old freshman at the University of Central Florida. The vibrant young man, fondly called “Timo” by family and friends, was passionate about soccer and loved life, but his journey was tragically cut short during a Halloween celebration last year.
On the night of the celebration, Timo texted his father one last message, affirming the hope for a fun and safe outing. Hours later, Timothy, Sr. received the devastating news that his son was missing. What followed was a nightmare that no parent could ever prepare for: a frantic search for information culminated in a heart-wrenching confirmation that his son had been caught in crossfire from gun violence.
Orlando police report that 17-year-old Jaylen Edgar has been charged as an adult in connection to the shooting, which resulted in Timo’s death alongside another victim, 25-year-old Tyrek Hill. Seven others suffered injuries — a grim reminder of the chaos that erupted in a crowd estimated between 50,000 and 100,000 attendees. The shockwaves from that night are still being felt, leaving families and a community grappling with the repercussions of the violence.
Timothy, Sr. reflected on the heartache of losing his son, describing it as an inconceivable pain that shatters a parent’s world. In an effort to seek accountability and promote change, the family has enlisted attorney Michael Haggard to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Orlando and the Orlando Police Department. Haggard criticizes the lack of adequate security measures in place during such large events, emphasizing that the potential for violence must be taken seriously.
The attorney believes enhanced safety protocols could have prevented the mass shooting. “The city should prioritize proper lighting, security personnel, and crowd management, especially for events that attract tens of thousands,” he said. Comment from city officials on the ongoing litigation has not been forthcoming.
Meanwhile, Edgar has pleaded not guilty to multiple counts, including first-degree murder and multiple counts of attempted murder. The legal process continues as the community demands justice, but for Schmidt, the concept of justice remains elusive. “No amount of legal action can bring back my son,” he lamented. “What we need is change to prevent such tragedies from occurring.”
In response to his loss, Schmidt has founded a nonprofit organization called “Until Forever.” The initiative aims to provide financial support and resources for families affected by violent crime. “We want to be there, to say, ‘You’re not alone. We’re here to help during your darkest moments,’” he expressed, emphasizing the need for compassionate support in the aftermath of tragedy.
As he navigates each painful day filled with memories of Timo — from family gatherings to cherished moments captured in photographs and videos — Schmidt finds solace in celebrating his son’s spirit. “He was kind-hearted and always willing to lend a hand,” he said. “Grief doesn’t go away; it transforms, and I carry him with me every day.”