Florida State University (FSU) and the city of Tallahassee are in mourning following the shooting that occurred on the afternoon of April 17, 2025 inside one of the campus buildings. One of the fatalities was Roberto Morales, a 36-year-old Hispanic national from Miami-Dade County and a beloved figure both on campus and in the local community.
Roberto Morales not only worked at FSU, but also as an assistant coach of the soccer team at Leon High School, where he was admired for his commitment to young athletes. According to a campus statement, “Coach Morales was a beloved member of our athletic community. His commitment to the sport and to shaping the lives of his players extended far beyond the playing field. He was a trusted coach, a respected colleague and a dear friend to many.”
Committed to its people
Buzzy
Roberto Morales also co-founded Gordos Cuban Cuisine restaurant, a landmark for Tallahassee’s Latino community.
There, Morales helped keep Cuban culinary traditions alive, creating a meeting place for students, teachers and Hispanic families.
Those who knew him agree that Roberto Morales was a hard-working, generous and always smiling person.
His loss has had a profound impact on both Tallahassee and Miami, where he graduated from Hialeah Senior High School.
The person responsible for the shooting was identified as Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old FSU student who used a gun registered to his mother, a Leon County Sheriff’s deputy.
The attack left two dead and six wounded, some of them in critical condition.
The university activated a lockdown for more than three hours and the attacker was captured and remains in custody.
FSU President Richard McCullough expressed:
“Roberto was an essential part of this university community. We are devastated by his loss and mourn with his family and loved ones.”
Seeking justice and support
Through social networks, Roberto Morales’ family shared farewell messages, including one from his brother Rick Morales:
I'll miss you. We never have enough time
Rick Morales
To help his family, friends and colleagues have launched a campaign on GoFundMe:
“This fund has been established by friends and colleagues of Betty Morales, wife of Roberto Morales, one of the victims of the tragic shooting that occurred on the Florida State University campus on Thursday, April 17.”
“Roberto leaves behind a wife and daughter. We invite you to help us provide financial assistance to the Morales family as they face the difficult road ahead.”
Betty Morales, wife of Roberto Morales, is the beneficiary of the funds donated to this fundraiser.
For more information, visit QueOnnda.com.
