FAMU Mourns Student Who Died After Boating Accident Off Panama City Coast

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — The Florida A&M University community is mourning the loss of 21-year-old Te-Andre Brown after he drowned while trying to save someone else.

The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission said 21-year-old Te-Andre Brown was in a pontoon boat with about 10 others, and was reported missing after a boating accident in St. Andrew’s Bay off the coast of Panama City.

According to a report issued by FAMU, Brown went missing after jumping off the boat to help someone in distress. However, FWC told WMBB Brown became distressed as well, went underwater and did not resurface.

In response to the news, dean of the School of Business and Industry, Shawnta Friday-Stroud, Ph.D., said,“Our hearts are saddened by the tragic loss of Te-Andre Brown, one of SBI’s high performing students.”

He made his mark in SBI and on this campus. We were eagerly anticipating seeing all the things Te-Andre was going to achieve including graduating with his B.S. in Business Administration and MBA. He was a caring and professional young man whose life was cut too short. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family, friends, and classmates during this difficult time. 

Shawnta Friday-Stroud, Ph.D

Brown was a senior business administration and an Army ROTC student.

The FAMU Office of Counseling Services is open and available to assist students. For assistance call 850-599-3145. You may also contact WellConnect at 833-848-1765 for phone or online support 24 hours.

This post originally appeared on WTXL.com.