GREENVILLE, S.C. (Diya TV) — In the wake of a tragic shooting at Florida State University (FSU) on April 17, the Greenville community and supporters nationwide have raised over $30,000 to support the grieving family of Tiru Chabba, a devoted husband and father of two who was among the victims killed.

Chabba, 45, of Greenville, South Carolina, traveled to Tallahassee on a work assignment with Aramark, a Philadelphia-based food service and facilities management company. What began as a routine day ended in tragedy when a gunman opened fire on campus, killing Chabba and Robert Morales, FSU’s longtime dining coordinator.

A GoFundMe campaign organized by the Joshi-Chabba family quickly gained momentum, appealing to the public to help support Chabba’s young children and his widow as they navigate life after his sudden and violent death.

“In the wake of this heartbreaking tragedy, we come together to mourn the loss of a cherished member of our community,” the fundraiser reads. “His absence leaves a profound void, but his spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.”

The emotional impact of Chabba’s death reverberates far beyond Greenville. Family attorney Bakari Sellers, speaking on their behalf, described the pain they’re enduring: “Instead of hiding Easter eggs and visiting with friends and family, they’re living a nightmare where this loving father and devoted husband was stolen from them in an act of senseless and preventable violence.”

On April 18, a vigil at Florida State University brought together administrators, students, and community members to honor Chabba and Morales. The ceremony served as a solemn reminder of the lives lost and the emotional toll the incident has taken on the campus community.

FSU President Richard McCullough stated in response to the tragedy, offering condolences and affirming the university’s commitment to support those affected. Morales, a beloved figure on campus for over two decades, was also remembered fondly during the vigil.

Aramark, Chabba’s employer, expressed its sorrow in a written statement: “The news shakes us and our deepest sympathies are with the family and our entire Aramark community.”

While authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the shooting, communities in both Tallahassee and Greenville are focused on supporting the victims’ families. The GoFundMe campaign, which has surpassed $30,000 in donations, remains active and is one of the primary avenues through which people are offering help.

Chabba is remembered as a loving father and husband, a dedicated worker, and a warm presence in the lives of those who knew him. 

Those wishing to donate can visit the fundraiser at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-tiru-chabba.