Orlando, Florida — In the wake of a tragic shooting that claimed the lives of two young men during a Halloween celebration, a grieving father is sharing his heartache and calling for action to prevent future tragedies. Timothy Schmidt remembers his son, Timothy Schmidt Jr., affectionately known as “Timo,” as a vibrant 19-year-old who was navigating his freshman year at the University of Central Florida and pursuing his passion for soccer.
On the night of October 31, 2022, their last conversation was simple yet meaningful: a text exchange wishing each other a fun and safe night. But hours later, as dawn broke over Orlando, Schmidt received devastating news—his son was missing. A knock at the door at 5 a.m. shattered his world. His wife learned from a friend that Timo had been seen receiving CPR, compelling Schmidt to scour the internet for information. That moment marked the beginning of an unbearable journey filled with grief.
Orlando police reported that 17-year-old Jaylen Edgar, who is being prosecuted as an adult, opened fire into a crowded gathering, resulting in Timo’s death along with that of a 25-year-old man, Tyrek Hill. The chaos injured seven others, with six sustaining gunshot wounds and one victim suffering trampling injuries in the melee. The loss has left Schmidt grappling with an “ultimate loss,” something he notes is beyond comprehension.
Schmidt’s family is taking steps to seek justice through a wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Orlando and its police department. Their attorney, Michael Haggard, criticized the city’s handling of large events, noting that such gatherings can attract between 50,000 and 100,000 attendees without appropriate security measures. Haggard emphasized that the magnitude of the crowd warranted a level of safety comparable to major events like Super Bowl festivities.
Changes, he notes, must address not only physical security but also enhanced lighting and crowd control. The plea for better safety measures comes amid a broader national conversation about gun violence and public safety at large events.
As Edgar faces multiple counts, including two for first-degree murder, Schmidt reflects on how he is coping with his son’s absence. When asked about what justice would mean to him, he candidly stated, “There isn’t any. We need change. This shouldn’t have happened.” His sentiments highlight a feeling of helplessness in the wake of violence and loss.
In response to his grief, Schmidt founded a nonprofit organization called “Until Forever.” The initiative aims to provide financial support for families affected by violent crime, offering assistance with funeral expenses and therapy services. “We want to be there to help when crises occur,” he explained, underscoring the charity’s mission to alleviate some of the burdens faced by victims and their loved ones.
As he faces daily reminders of Timo through cherished photographs and memories—such as his son being the best man at his wedding last year—Schmidt strives to find solace. He recalls Timo as a caring, selfless individual who made a positive impact on those around him. “It’s something you don’t get over,” he reflects, emphasizing that the emotional toll of losing a child is an enduring struggle.
The shooting has not only left a mark on Schmidt’s family but also on the wider community, igniting discussions about safety protocols and the urgent need for systemic change. As the legal proceedings unfold, calls for accountability and improvement echo through Orlando, with families like Schmidt’s hoping for a safer future free from such preventable tragedies.