Photo: Joseph Simmons (L) and Dr. Samuel Darko during the 2019 SURI presentation.
Columbia, SC, January 12, 2021, The Benedict College family is heartbroken about the tragic loss of one of its bright and talented students. Mr. Joseph Simmons was killed Sunday, January 3, 2021 in Washington, DC.
Please join Benedict College in praying for the family of its fallen Tiger. Mr. Simmons was an electrical engineering major and a native of Washington, DC. The 22-year-old senior was an active member of the Scientific Village and SURI programs at Benedict.
“I am truly heartbroken. Joseph was a kind and sincere young man,” said, Dr. Samuel Darko, Associate Professor of Environmental Engineering. Darko was a mentor to Simmons. “Joseph was like an adopted son to me. I am still in shock; I was expecting him to come back to school and finish his project for his senior year. This is such a tragedy. He will be missed!”
Students who are affected by this unfortunate tragedy are encouraged to contact Dr. Taylor at the Benedict College Counseling Services, tara.taylor@benedict.edu.
The Metro Police Department (MPD) is currently offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for committing this homicide. Police ask anyone with information about this case to call 202-727-9099 or send an anonymous tip by text to 50411.
