I am Darryll’s younger sister. Our mom can’t even function currently due to the loss of my brother, so I am writing this on her behalf. Darryll Owens was a veteran, a son, a brother, and a happy, joyful soul. He was the second oldest of eight kids. Darryll was an amazing person who was brilliant and beautiful inside and out. Darryll became a sergeant within less than one year of being in the army.

Darryll was coming from class when he was rear-ended in San Antonio Wednesday evening. So when this happened, he exited the car and attempted to cross the street, ultimately being struck by an SUV, which sent him airborne, killing him. He was studying psychology at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Darryll was a loving and happy person who kept everyone that knew him laughing. Darryll also participated in the Nurturing Hope Program and was engaged in the military community, providing volunteer hospice care for veterans and working at a veteran center.

After making the president's list, he started researching with Dr. Lopez and Dr. McNaughton in the psychology department during his internship. He was so excited to be his family's first-ever Ph.D. recipient.

Currently, with the government shutdown, my family cannot transport him back to Indianapolis or cover the funeral expenses. We want to give him the proper send-off he deserves. We appreciate any help.