By Luke Schultheis, Layout and Sports Editor

A former La Roche student and member of the women’s basketball team died after a man accidentally shot her in Cincinnati. Police charged Deaariounse Bryant, 19, with reckless homicide after he told them he mishandled a gun resulting in Hicks’, 19, death.

Hicks, who won Defensive Player of the Year at Hamilton High School during her junior year, played basketball with the Redhawks in the 2020-2021 season.

“Our heart and prayers go out to Journee’s family during this tragic time,” Kamela Gissendanner, the team’s coach said. “Journee was a bright light to this universe, and she will be sorely missed by all that knew and loved her. Once a Redhawk always a Redhawk.”

Hicks was not enrolled at La Roche when she passed.

Her family held a memorial on Saturday, Oct. 30 at Thompson, Hall and Jordan Funeral Home.

She survives through her parents, Kris and Darnell, along with nine siblings.