Summary: With the murder of a college student in Kentucky, we must always remember that life can radically change in an instant.

Early Friday morning, Jonathan Krueger was shot and killed while walking home near the University of Kentucky. Not many people at Kent State probably recognize that name, but some of the staff at The Kent Stater did. He was the photo editor for The Kentucky Kernel, the student newspaper at UK.

Krueger was 22 years old. Best known in the photography world for his coverage of the Kentucky basketball team’s NCAA March Madness games, Krueger was characterized in online memorials as being joyful, always laughing and being a great person. The Kernel reported that Krueger was from Perrysburg, Ohio.

Two men have been arrested and charged in the case, which thus far looks to be an alleged robbery. Both men deny being part of the murder.

With such a tragic loss of life, we cannot imagine what the students in Kentucky are going through. As members of student media here at Kent State, we know what it’s like to become a family of sorts, working closely with friends and advisers in the newsroom. We also know what it’s like to be a student at a university. Often, we forget how quickly life can change.

Eli Capilouto, the president of the University of Kentucky, wrote a letter to the student body following the news. 

“Although this tragedy occurred off campus, it is a stark reminder that all members of our campus community should at all times be vigilant about their safety, and the safety of others,” he wrote. “We are each other’s keeper. It is also in a moment like this that we are reminded of how fragile and precious life is. Let us all keep Jonathan’s family, loved ones and friends in our thoughts and prayers.”

The staff of The Kent Stater and KentWired have already extended its sympathies and prayers to the Kernel staff. But we also want to urge the students of Kent State to recognize the importance of an event like this.

Though we are all young and free to make choices, like going to house parties with friends, drinking downtown, attending concerts in the community or a student organization event on campus, we must be aware of what could happen. Krueger was simply walking home.

As students, we must be aware of whatever situation we’re in, and be responsible for our safety and the safety of those with us. Life could radically change in an instant. It’s not about YOLO; it’s about living life in college where we experience life to the fullest, hold tight to the people we love most and remember those we’ve lost too soon.