Family of American Teacher Shot Dead in Nairobi Raising Funds to Take Body Back to US

The family and former school mates of an American teacher shot dead in Nairobi are now raising funds to transport the body back home for burial.

Mr Cameron Chase Huntley, 26, was shot dead by robbers in Lavington on Wednesday.

He was heading to a restaurant in the company of a female colleague, Ms Sally Jirongo, when he was killed near Riara School at around 11am after defying the robbers.

He last spoke to his mother via FaceTime on Saturday, according tofamily members. Immediately after the incident, his roommate called the mother to inform her of the death of her son.

The deceased was from the Erwin community in Buncombe County, North Carolina.

He went to West Buncombe Elementary, Erwin Middle School and later Erwin High School where he was a footballer and then joined Clemson University.

He was the son of Ms Kim Huntley and Mr Kevin Huntley. The mother is a longtime teacher who is expected to retire later this year.

On Wednesday, the Erwin Middle School Principal Mr Chris Thompson released the following statement:

“Today, our hearts are heavy with thoughts of Cameron Chase Huntley, a 2008 Erwin High graduate and the beloved son of one of our veteran teachers, Mrs. Kim Huntley. Nothing can mask the pain our entire staff and community feel in the wake of this tragic loss. The Warrior Nation stands united in support of the Huntley family during this difficult time.”

According to his former Social Studies teacher and family friend, Ms Raelene Goforth, the deceased was respected among his peers and was very intelligent.

“To hear Cameron, that he took up for his girlfriend to protect her or stepped to take the bullet is not surprising,” said Ms Goforth. “Just who Cameron was, just a good soul.”

– Nairobi News