Adrian Dukes II, a student at Moorehouse College studying Sociology who was bound to graduate at the end of the school year, has died.

Dukes’ death was announced in a statement from the University released Wednesday, October 30th, 2024. His cause of death was s*ic*de.

“With profound sadness, we share the news of the passing of Adrian Dukes II ’25, a sociology major, the statement read. “Adrian’s light touched countless lives on and beyond our campus through his passion for community building and advocacy for well-being and social impact, all while struggling with his own inner battles,”

Adrian was born in New York City and raised in East Point, Georgia, a son of Morehouse and Spelman alum.

A talented student and community leader, news of Dukes’ death and his struggles that led him to take his life has left many stunned. He was a champion for mental health awareness through organizations such as A.U.C. C.H.I.L.L., which organized peer-led events and conversations in the Atlanta University Center. An budding entrepreneur, Dukes was a sales associate with Memory Lane Atlanta and a community development intern for the Parkinson’s Foundaton in Atlanta.

He received numerous tributes following news of his passing.

“So sad. He sounds like he was a lovely and talented young man. Condolences to his family, his friends, and the Morehouse Community,” one tribute post read.

Duke’s death comes shortly following the shocking death of another Moorehouse student, Jayden Mango. The College has set Thursday, October 31st at 11 a.m. in the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel to hold a gathering for the late duo.