Remembering Jayshawn Cornelius: Westwood Community Grieves Loss of Promising Teen
WESTWOOD, OHIO — A deep and painful silence hangs over the Westwood neighborhood following the tragic passing of 17-year-old Jayshawn Cornelius, a bright and determined student from Hughes STEM High School whose life was taken far too soon. In the days since the news broke, the community has been engulfed in sorrow, grappling with the senseless loss of a young soul who held so much promise.
Jayshawn, a junior at Hughes, was widely regarded as a kind-hearted, intelligent, and ambitious teenager. He was passionate about technology and engineering, often seen sketching ideas for inventions or helping classmates with coding assignments. Teachers remember him as curious and driven, while peers describe him as the kind of friend who would never let anyone feel left out or overlooked.
“He was the light in the room,” said Ms. Talley, one of his science teachers. “He had a natural ability to lead — not through loudness, but with empathy and purpose. He made people believe in themselves.”
Family members are devastated. His mother, Keisha Cornelius, fought through tears to describe her son: “Jayshawn was my baby, my heartbeat. He wanted to make something of himself. He talked about building things that could help people. He dreamed of college — of being the first in our family to graduate.”
Neighbors recall Jayshawn as a respectful young man, often seen helping elders carry groceries or playing basketball with younger kids at the local rec center. In every corner of Westwood, his presence was felt — now, his absence is deeply mourned.
While the exact circumstances surrounding Jayshawn’s death are still under investigation, the tragedy has jolted the community into reflection and unrest. Local leaders and residents alike are calling for increased youth safety initiatives, accountability, and a renewed focus on mental health and violence prevention.
“Too many of our young people are being lost before their time,” said Pastor Elijah Moore, who led a vigil outside the school where over 200 mourners gathered with candles and flowers. “We must not allow this to become just another story. Jayshawn’s life mattered — and it must lead us to change.”
Online, the hashtag #JusticeForJayshawn has gained momentum as friends and activists rally for answers and action. Tributes continue to pour in, many accompanied by photos of Jayshawn grinning in his signature red hoodie or celebrating at school events.
The Cincinnati Public Schools system has deployed grief counselors to Hughes STEM High School, and plans are underway to create a scholarship in Jayshawn’s name — one that would support other students pursuing studies in STEM fields, just as he had hoped to do.
As the Cornelius family prepares for the unimaginable task of laying their son to rest, the Westwood community stands beside them — mourning, remembering, and demanding that Jayshawn’s death not be in vain.
“Jayshawn had dreams, and those dreams will not be forgotten,” said Principal Linda Ayers. “We owe it to him to protect and uplift every student walking our halls.”
In this time of immense grief, Westwood’s unity is both a source of comfort and a call to action. For Jayshawn. For the future.
A public memorial service will be announced in the coming days. Community members are encouraged to leave flowers, messages, and candles near the Hughes STEM High School steps where a memorial has been established.
