Black Lives Matter Activist MarShawn McCarrel Dead From Apparent Suicide

An Ohio activist heavily involved with the Black Lives Matter movement has reportedly committed suicide. Marshawn McCarrel, 23, was found dead outside of the Statehouse Monday evening (Jan. 8), The Columbus Dispatch reports.

Lt. Craig Cvetan of the State Highway Patrol said McCarrel was more than likely alone at the time of his death. Born and raised in Columbus, McCarrel’s body was found after police responded to a call about a shooting at 6 p.m. McCarrel was known for his social activism and work with Black Lives Matter. He was also the founding member of Pursuing Our Dreams, a mentorship for inner city youth and created the homeless charity Feed The Streets in light of his past battle with homelessness. Earlier in the year, McCarrell traveled to California to receive Radio One’s Hometown Champions award, according to the New York Daily News.

Before his death, McCarrell took to social media to send a final farewell to his supporters tweeting, “Let the record show that I pi**ed on the state house before I left.” Another questionable message read, “If we don’t have to live through hell just to get to heaven. I’ma stay right here with you.”

A Facebook post also read, “My demons won today. I’m sorry,” after 3 p.m.

News of McCarrel’s death traveled on Twitter, where Opal Tometi, a co-founder of Black Lives Matter, Kerry Washington and more paid tribute to the outspoken activist: