The tragic loss of 24-year-old Richard E. Frazier has left his family and the Champaign community grieving deeply. The Champaign County Coroner confirmed Richard as the victim of the shooting that took place on Colleen Drive in Champaign, Illinois. He was rushed to the Carle Foundation Hospital Emergency Department in Urbana, where he was pronounced dead at 7 p.m. on November 16, 2025. His sudden passing has brought immense heartbreak to those who knew him, cutting short a life filled with ambition, hope, and potential.
Richard’s early years were spent in Flint, Michigan, where he grew up surrounded by family and familiar faces. He later settled in the neighboring city of Burton, continuing to build his life and future. He attended Carman-Ainsworth High School, where teachers and classmates remember him as an intelligent student, motivated to take on challenges and committed to his education. His strong academic performance reflected his discipline and the dreams he held for a better future.
Following high school, Richard continued his education at Saginaw Valley State University, pursuing a degree in accounting. His choice of study showed his desire to create a solid foundation for himself, working toward a profession that would offer stability and opportunity. Friends say he took his studies seriously, always striving to improve and stay focused on his long-term goals. Richard was working hard to shape a meaningful future, one built on perseverance and dedication.
But beyond his academic strengths, Richard was remembered most for his character. He carried himself with a quiet gentleness that made people feel comfortable around him. Friends and family speak of his kindness, sincerity, and the compassion he showed to others. He was someone who listened—truly listened—when others spoke, and he offered support without hesitation. His calm presence brought comfort to those who needed it, and he formed deep connections with the people in his life.
The devastating circumstances of his death serve as a painful reminder of how quickly life can change. While the official autopsy is expected later in the week, the emotional toll of losing Richard is already overwhelming. His family is grappling with the shock of losing a son, a brother, and a beloved young man whose life was only beginning to unfold. They have asked for prayers, love, and support as they face the difficult days ahead, leaning on cherished memories to carry them through this period of grieving.
Richard’s loved ones remember his laughter, his thoughtful nature, and his ability to uplift others even on their hardest days. They describe him as a person who made time for people, who cared deeply, and who lived with genuine warmth. Although his life ended far too soon, the impact he made during his 24 years will continue to resonate. His generosity, his gentle spirit, and his love for the people around him have left a lasting mark.
As the Champaign community mourns alongside his family, there is a shared sense of loss for a young man whose future was full of promise. Richard’s story is one of commitment, kindness, and the hope for a bright tomorrow—qualities that those who knew him will carry in their hearts.
May Richard E. Frazier be remembered for the love he shared and the lives he touched. May his soul rest peacefully, and may his family find comfort in the strength and compassion of the community that now surrounds them in this time of grief.
