Chris Beaty, a former Indiana football player, died on Saturday night in downtown Indianapolis after being shot, according to multiple sources. He was 38.
Protests intensified Saturday evening and into the early morning hours on Sunday. Beaty was one of two people that were killed at the same time rioting and protesting was taking place downtown this past weekend.
Beaty's death occurred near the location in which the protests and riots were taking place at the intersection of Talbot and Vermont streets. Reportedly, Beaty had been assisting people that were being robbed, and was fatally shot in the process.
The Beaty family released a statement on his passing Wednesday morning: "We have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support for Chris since his murder over the weekend... down to his last moments when he put his life on the line and became a hero— Chris was someone who always put others before himself. He truly was one-of-a-kind, with a giant heart filled with love for everyone he met, consistently working to break down racial barriers. We encourage everyone to live like Chris— to love others boldly, to stand up for what's right, to live every day to the fullest."
The family is encouraging the use of the hashtag #LiveLikeChris to remember and honor Beaty moving forward.
Beaty was a defensive end at Indiana from 2000-04, graduating with a degree in sports management. Beaty’s nephew, Jared Thomas, just finished his senior season after playing football at Northwestern.
"I am at a loss for words. The news of the passing of Chris Beaty is just devastating," Indiana head football coach Tom Allen said in a statement. "Since I returned home to coach at Indiana, Chris embraced me, encouraged me and supported me! His passion for life and Indiana football energized me every time we were together. I am so heartbroken for his family and he will be deeply missed by all those that were blessed to call him a friend!"
Prior to arriving in Bloomington, Beaty attended Cathedral High School from 1996-2000, winning three state championships (1996, 1998, 1999) while a member of the football team.
After his playing days of playing football came to an end, Beaty worked in the entertainment industry around the Indianapolis area.
Since 2011, Beaty had served as the President of Fresh Marketing, working with clients that include the Indianapolis Colts, the family of Muhammad Ali, and the Kentucky Derby, to name a few.
Beaty continued showing his support for the Indiana football program long after moving on from his playing career. As recently as April 26, Beaty talked with current Indiana football head coach Tom Allen and other alumni on a Zoom call.
When the news broke on Beaty's passing late Sunday evening, many shared their sadness and grief from his death on Twitter.
As of Wednesday, the Chris Beaty Memorial Scholarship Fund is accepting donations through GoFundMe, created by his aforementioned nephew, Jared Thomas. In just six hours, the scholarship has reached nearly $39,000 of his goal of $50,000. The fund will benefit Indiana University and Cathedral High School. If you would like to donate, please click on the hyperlink above.
"Thank you for all the kind words, support and love," Thomas said in a message on the GoFundMe page. "Please continue to recall the stories from Chris' life as they are constant reminders that will keep his memory alive."
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