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John Floyd Verhovec II

Age 18

Sandusky, Ohio

Animal lover, Steelers fan, frequent helper

He was an animal lover (his favorites were birds and dogs) and a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He worked for the Neighbor to Neighbor Food Pantry near his home.

He was always willing to help others, whether strangers or loved ones. The last thing he did was show off a semiautomatic handgun to his friends. He had taken the magazine out of the pistol, but there was still one round left in the chamber.

John Floyd Verhovec II, 18, died at his home in Sandusky, Ohio, on Feb. 15, 2018, from an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound.

By Crystal Bai · Age 16
Meet the Reporters

More than 40 community volunteers

Ta Quan Pinkney

Bright future; gone too soon

Kenwon Parker

A wide receiver, almost sweet sixteen

Jayvone J. Shackelford-Bishop

Friends together like Lilo & Stitch

Dontae Rodruis Drew

Always told mom he loved her

DaVonte Friedman

A bullet blocked his community activism

Yudjy Farly Cherubin

Youth deacon never will preach again

Caleb Logan Butts

Teen’s death left teachers, classmates heartbroken

Karlonzo A. Taylor

Teen dreamed of becoming a veterinarian

Erin Carey

Dreamer, football player, mentor, tragic death

Jaraius Terrell Gilbert Jr

Community helper, passionate athlete, American tragedy

Antonio Malik Douglas

Mom issues plea: End gun violence

Dorian Damiquez Harris

Joyful boy loved to smile, laugh

Sandra Parks

Her dream, deferred. Her life, gone.

JeQuan M. Strozier

Basketball court dedicated to former player

Tihami Ayaz

Active light in community flickered out

Alexa Denice Montez

Her father’s “greatest gift,” he said

Isaiah Starry

Active life. Lively community. Broken bonds.

Alaina Joann Petty

Remained selfless until her last breath

Aric Whaley

He helped his neighbors shovel snow

Zachary Anthony Segura

One heart stopped. Another one begins.