On April 17, 2025, a quiet day on Florida State University’s campus turned into a scene of tragedy when a gunman opened fire near the student union. Two men lost their lives and six others were injured before authorities detained the suspect. The victims were later identified as Robert Morales from Miami-Dade County and Tiru Chabba from Greenville, South Carolina — both fathers, both deeply connected to the campus and their communities.
Robert Morales, a Florida State alumnus, had spent nearly a decade as the university’s dining coordinator. He wasn’t just an employee—he was known for creating a sense of home for students far from theirs. A South Florida native, he brought his love for Cuban cuisine into the heart of Tallahassee. As co-founder of Gordos Cuban Cuisine and CEO of the Black Bean Food Group, Morales had a reputation for innovation and warmth. He was known to go the extra mile, like when he worked with chefs to create allergen-free meals for a student with dietary restrictions.
He had plans that Thursday — lunch with Carlos Cruz, a lifelong friend, and Cruz’s son, a regular ritual. The son stayed back in his dorm that day. Cruz later spoke of Morales’s energy and passion, calling him a driving force behind Gordos’ growth. Celebrity chef Art Smith, who had collaborated with him, described Morales as a man full of joy. His older brother, Ricardo, confirmed the loss on X with childhood photos. A GoFundMe campaign has since raised more than $60,000 in support of his surviving wife, Betty, and their daughter.
Tiru Chabba, the second victim, was 45 years old and a regional vice president at Aramark Collegiate Hospitality. He had worked for the company for over 20 years and was on campus in his professional capacity when the shooting occurred. A father of two, Chabba’s death has left a profound void. Aramark issued a statement expressing shock and heartbreak. His family has retained legal representation and is seeking accountability for the devastating loss.
