Opinion: Dreams of a bright future ended with the tragic death of Tyree Crenshaw

Guns and security measures have been a part of my life since I was a child. I remember my grandfather putting cans on a fence post as targets and teaching us how to properly hold and handle firearms. It wasn’t just about shooting; It was about discipline, respect and caution.

Once we got enough experience, we aimed at those green bean cans, but after each session the rules were clear: always point the gun at the ground and make sure it’s pointed away from others. Grandpa carefully unloaded all the remaining bullets and carefully cleaned the gun. I was never afraid of a misfire or a shot because we had strict rules and thorough training.

Unfortunately, not everyone grows up with such a foundation. Although I support the right to own firearms, too many gun owners lack the appropriate training, leading to tragic accidents. Tyree Crenshaw and Terry Robinson’s lives were forever changed by this negligence.

On the morning of May 1, 2020, I received a call that changed my life. “Is that Julie Higgins?” We’re sorry to tell you, but your son was shot and passed away.” My biological son lives out of state, but those words took my breath away.

The officer clarified, “Your son Tyree Crenshaw was shot. He listed you as his parents on his college application to Evangel University.” I burst into tears. Even though Tyree wasn’t my biological son, I loved him very much. We dreamed of his bright future.

Tyree chose Evangel University, a Christian college in Springfield. He loved the campus, the people and the atmosphere. College was harder than expected, but he didn’t shy away from the challenge. He tried hard, made friends quickly, and brought them to our office and to family dinners. He was on his way to achieving his dreams.

Two young men were caught with a gun in a moment of inexperience

Then everything ended abruptly and pointlessly. Tyree’s life was taken and Terry Robinson’s life changed forever. Deep in my heart I believe the shooting was accidental. Two young men were caught in a moment of inexperience with a firearm. I can imagine that Tyree was shocked at the sight of the weapon and perhaps didn’t know how to handle it. Whatever happened that night, Tyree is gone and everyone who loved him is heartbroken.

We mourned Tyree together, family, friends, classmates and community members. Even in the isolation of the pandemic, we held an online celebration of life to honor him. His loss was deeply felt by all who knew him.

But as we focus on Tyree, I cannot imagine the pain Terry Robinson and his family must endure. I suspect that Terry, like many others, was curious about guns but lacked the safety training my grandfather had taught me. His innocence was also destroyed and now his life will never be the same.

What would Tyree want to tell us?

What would Tyree want to tell us today? Knowing his kind and forgiving heart, I believe he would urge us to pray for Terry Robinson and his family. Tyree trusted Terry, they had just spent four days together on a getaway. He wants us to understand that this tragedy was not just about the end of his life, but also about the profound impact it had on everyone involved. Tyree would be heartbroken if he knew what Terry and his family are going through.

Above all, Tyree wants us to create awareness about gun safety and proper storage. He reminded us of the cardinal rule: never point a gun at another person. Weapons should always be locked away, especially if there are children or inexperienced people nearby. Accidents can happen in a split second and lives can be irrevocably changed.

Finally, Tyree challenges us to recognize the fragility of life. He would ask us to stop and think about our blessings, the people who love us, and how we can become better versions of ourselves. Tyree would advise us to live with our God-given purpose, with hope, and with the understanding that life is fleeting. We never know what each day will bring.

Julie Higgins

Julie G. Higgins is a Springfield entrepreneur and partner at Higgins Business Consulting. Her mantra is, “Teach with your life.” Follow her on Twitter: @julieGhiggins or email her at: [email protected] More from Julie Higgins