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Kenny Simmons Obituary and Cause of Death

Beloved Winterboro High School Student Dies in Tragic Accident

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Kenny Simmons, a cherished senior at Winterboro High School, who tragically lost his life in an accident.

Kenny was not only a dedicated student and talented athlete, but also a true friend and inspiration to all who knew him. His energy, kindness, and bright smile lit up every room he entered, and his positive spirit left a lasting impact on classmates, teachers, coaches, and the entire community.

Kenny’s dedication on and off the field, along with his leadership and heart, made him a standout member of the Winterboro family. His loss is deeply felt by the entire school, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, teammates, and all who had the honor of knowing him.

As we mourn this heartbreaking loss, we also celebrate the incredible young man Kenny was — full of promise, kindness, and resilience.

Details regarding memorial services will be shared with the community as they become available. In the meantime, grief counselors will be available at Winterboro High School for students and staff.

Rest in peace, Kenny Simmons. You will never be forgotten.

This morning at dialysis, I got some heartbreaking news — my chair buddy Tony passed away. 😢💔
For the past three years, we sat side by side, talking, laughing, and just getting through it together. He always looked out for me — especially with those good snacks he never forgot to bring.
I’m going to miss his kindness, his sense of humor, and his presence more than words can say.
Rest in Heaven, Tony. Love you, buddy. 😇❤️🙏🏾

Statement from Perkins:

This news adds another layer of difficulty to an already heartbreaking weekend for our community. Our hearts go out to father Chris Mumby, Jackson’s brother, Grandpa Steve Mumby, and Sharon Collins as they endure this unimaginable loss. We mourn alongside them and hold their family in our thoughts during this deeply painful time.

EXCLUSIVE: Shelburne Police Sergeant to Change Plea in Fatal On-Duty Crash

BURLINGTON, VT — Shelburne Police Sgt. Kyle T. Kapitanski, 42, is expected to withdraw his not guilty plea and accept a misdemeanor plea deal in connection with a fatal on-duty cruiser-bicycle crash that killed Sean P. Hayes, 38, of Burlington, on November 11, 2024.

According to court records, Kapitanski will appear Thursday at the Edward J. Costello Courthouse for a change-of-plea hearing, where he will plead guilty to negligent operation with death resulting. The original charge was felony gross negligent operation with death resulting.

Plea Deal Details

• No jail time is proposed under the agreement.

• Kapitanski would serve state probation for a few years.

• He is pleading guilty, not no contest — which may impact potential civil litigation.

Crash Background

• The fatal crash occurred around 2:40 a.m. on Shelburne Road in South Burlington.

• Kapitanski struck Hayes, who was walking his bicycle towing a large trailer, near a trash receptacle in poor visibility conditions.

• Conditions: Wet road, light rain; Hayes wore dark, non-reflective clothing.

• Crash reconstruction concluded Kapitanski failed to safely pass a vulnerable road user, violating state traffic laws.

Investigation Findings

• Kapitanski was traveling approximately 40 mph in a 35-mph zone.

• No evidence of distraction from his cruiser tablet, which had a controversial video open, was found.

• Kapitanski passed field sobriety and drug evaluations; no signs of impairment were noted.

• Hayes had a history of mental health and substance use issues, and was known to be dumpster diving at night.

Other Key Points

• Civil lawsuit filed by Hayes’ estate (against the town, not Kapitanski personally) remains pending.

• Kapitanski has been on paid administrative leave since the incident.

• His employment future with the Shelburne Police Department is unclear and may depend on the outcome of the plea hearing.

• Kapitanski is a 23-year police veteran, with past service in multiple Vermont departments, including a prior post as police chief in Richmond.

BREAKING: Burlington City Hall Park Beating Victim Was Struck 21 Times, Police Say

BURLINGTON, VT — A brutal mob assault near City Hall Park on August 11 has led to murder charges after Scott Kastner, 42, died from injuries sustained during the attack. A police investigation revealed that Kastner was punched, kicked, and stomped at least 21 times in under two minutes.

According to sources, the group wrongfully targeted Kastner due to false information about an earlier altercation. Authorities believe it was his girlfriend, not Kastner, who had assaulted a woman—sparking a misguided retaliation.

Two individuals — Isaiah “Zay” Argro, 26, of Queens, NY, and Karson Taylor, 16, of South Burlington — are charged as adults with second-degree murder. Argro, who has a criminal record in New York, and Taylor were arrested over the weekend. Three juveniles, aged 14 to 16, were also involved and captured fleeing the scene.

Key developments:

• The assault was captured on video by a juvenile and nearby security cameras.

• Both Argro and Taylor brandished firearms, but no shots were fired.

• Kastner was initially able to leave the scene, but succumbed to a brain bleed five days later on August 16.

• He is survived by four children, two of whom were living with him in Burlington.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, at Dwyer-Wellington Funeral Home in Pittsfield, MA.

Baton Rouge Police Investigating Deadly Shooting on Government Street

The Baton Rouge Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred on Government Street. Officers responding to the scene discovered 19-year-old Robert Forkner inside a vehicle, suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Authorities have not released further details, and the investigation is ongoing.

16-Year-Old Bentonville Teen Killed in UTV Crash on Private Property in McDonald County

A 16-year-old teenager from Bentonville tragically lost their life in a UTV (Utility Task Vehicle) crash on private property in McDonald County. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but the teen was pronounced dead following the accident. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

19-Year-Old New Braunfels Man Dies in Guadalupe County Motorcycle Crash

A tragic motorcycle accident claimed the life of Steven Daniel Hernandez, 19, of New Braunfels. The crash occurred in Guadalupe County, where law enforcement and first responders found Hernandez at the scene. Despite their life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead on-site. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Please keep my sister, Tyera Jackson, in your prayers as she grieves the heartbreaking loss of her sibling. I can’t even begin to imagine the pain, hurt, and confusion she’s facing right now.

Tyera, you already know—we’ve got you. I love you, my sister, and I’m here for you always. I will take on every battle for you. I’ll defend and protect you—front line, side line, back line—every day, no questions asked.

We’re a unit, and we will get through this together. That’s a promise. 💕🙏🏾🪽🦋🔐🤞🏾💯

My mom, Rhonda Shaw, lost her wife, Amy Howard, last night.

The past five weeks have been unimaginable—Amy faced an unexpected diagnosis, and Rhonda spent two weeks by her side in the SICU, showing incredible strength and love throughout.

Rhonda is the strongest person I know, but she is now preparing to face some of the toughest days of her life.

I am doing everything I can to support her, but we are reaching out to the community for any assistance you can offer during this difficult time.

Even if you can’t help directly, sharing this link is just as valuable and means the world to us.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
I love you, Mom & Amy. ❤️