JACKSONVILLE– Jacksonville State University is mourning Synquavia Keyona Staples, a nursing student from Roanoke who died Sunday in Huntsville.

Staples, 22, was an upperclassman in Jax State’s nursing program. Also, her friends called her “KeKe,” and she was working toward a career in nursing. This fall, she received her white coat during the College of Health Professions and Wellness’ White Coat Ceremony.

Jax State Remembers Staples’ Compassion and Promise

In a statement, Jax State President Don Killingsworth Jr. extended condolences to Staples’ family, friends, classmates, faculty, and everyone who knew her.

In addition, Dr. Betsy Gulledge serves as chief nursing administrator and associate dean of the College of Health Professions and Wellness. She called Staples “a kind, compassionate, and trustworthy student.”

For example, Gulledge said Staples regularly helped classmates and welcomed opportunities to learn new skills. She also said Staples brought enthusiasm and compassion to her education and clinical work.

Likewise, resident assistant and friend Julian Hooks remembered Staples as a “kind and beautiful soul.” Hooks also said Staples entered rooms with a smile and remained dedicated to becoming a nurse who cared for others.

Together, those memories show the impact Staples made while pursuing a profession centered on caring for others.

Huntsville Police Investigation

According to WAFF 48, Huntsville Police Department officers went to an apartment on Johns Road around 7 p.m. Sunday. Also, the call indicated that two people inside might be dead.

Officers found Staples and 21-year-old Jordan Darnell West of Huntsville inside the apartment. WAFF reported that both had died. https://www.waff.com

Then, investigators with the department’s Major Crimes Unit processed the apartment. Investigators also found no evidence that anyone else took part in the deaths, according to WAFF. https://www.waff.com

Meanwhile, Huntsville Police representative Christopher Jackson told WAFF that police classified the case as a murder-suicide. However, police had not released additional details about the cause of death at the time of the report. https://www.waff.com

Funeral Services and Campus Support

Visitation begins Friday, October 2, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Silmon-Seroyer Funeral Home Chapel in LaFayette. Funeral services begin Saturday, October 3, at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Roanoke. Afterward, burial follows at Skyview Memorial Gardens in Five Points.

In addition, Jax State offers counseling support to students, faculty, and staff who need it. During business hours, they can contact Counseling Services at 256-782-5475. After hours, students may call University Police at 256-782-5050 for help connecting with an on-call counselor.

Finally, the university asked the Jax State community to keep Staples’ family and loved ones in their thoughts and prayers.