**Rennert Mourns the Tragic Loss of Jacob Williamson, Fatally Shot Near Shannon**

The city of Dayton is enveloped in grief as it mourns the devastating and untimely loss of Nova Atallah, a bright, beautiful soul taken far too soon. Nova was not just a daughter, a niece, a student—she was a light in the lives of everyone who knew her. Her passing has left an unfillable void in the hearts of her family, friends, and the broader Dayton community.

Nova Atallah, just 17 years old, passed away earlier this week under circumstances that have left loved ones shaken and searching for answers. Her sudden departure has stunned those closest to her, and waves of sorrow have swept across the schools, neighborhoods, and social circles she touched with her radiant spirit.

Described by teachers as “a brilliant young mind with a fearless heart,” Nova was a standout student at Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School, where she was known for her academic excellence, creativity, and warm presence. Her curiosity about the world around her was matched only by her compassion for others. Whether she was volunteering at local shelters, organizing school charity drives, or simply being there for a friend in need, Nova gave of herself freely and generously.

“She was the kind of person who remembered the small things,” said her cousin Mariam. “If you had a test coming up or if your dog was sick, she’d check in. She made everyone feel seen.”

Her passions were as diverse as her talents. Nova loved literature, art, and science — with dreams of one day becoming a pediatrician. She played piano with graceful emotion, painted with bold colors, and had a laugh that could brighten the darkest room. Her friends often said she was “an old soul in a young heart,” capable of wisdom beyond her years and empathy that never wavered.

Beyond school, Nova was deeply rooted in her family’s Lebanese heritage, and her presence at family gatherings was always cherished. She danced proudly at weddings, helped her grandmother prepare traditional dishes, and spoke Arabic with a fluency that honored her roots. Her cultural pride and deep connection to family were evident in everything she did.

The Atallah family, now grappling with unimaginable grief, has received an outpouring of support from the Dayton community. A candlelight vigil held at Cooper Park drew hundreds, with friends, classmates, teachers, and even strangers coming together to honor her memory. Balloons, flowers, handwritten notes, and photographs lined the edges of the park as loved ones shared stories that spoke to Nova’s kindness, humor, and boundless heart.

“She had a spirit that could never be confined,” said Ms. Janet Wilson, one of Nova’s teachers. “Even in silence, Nova made an impact. Her legacy is in the way she loved and inspired others.”

Grief counselors have been made available at her school, where students continue to wrestle with the enormity of the loss. In classrooms, teachers paused for moments of silence, and in hallways, students hugged one another tightly—leaning on shared memories and mutual love for their lost friend.

While the circumstances of her passing remain private at the request of the family, they have expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and solidarity. In a statement, the Atallah family wrote, “Nova was the heartbeat of our lives. Her absence is unspeakably painful, but we take comfort in knowing how many lives she touched with her short time here. We thank the community for lifting us in this time of sorrow.”

A celebration of Nova’s life will take place this Sunday at St. Ignatius Maronite Catholic Church, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and a memorial service to follow at 3 p.m. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Dayton Children’s Hospital in Nova’s name—carrying forward her dream of healing others.

As Dayton continues to mourn the loss of this remarkable young woman, one thing remains clear: Nova Atallah’s light was real, radiant, and unforgettable. Though her time on earth was far too short, her impact will echo in the hearts of those who loved her — forever.

Dayton Mourns the Heartbreaking Loss of 17-Year-Old Nova Atallah, a Shining Light Gone Too Soon

RENNERT, N.C. — The small, tight-knit community of Rennert, North Carolina, is grappling with deep sorrow and shock following the tragic death of Jacob Williamson, a beloved member of the town who was fatally shot near the 300 block of Lyndsey Lane, just outside of Shannon. The incident, which occurred late Wednesday evening, has left friends, family, and neighbors heartbroken and searching for answers.

Jacob Williamson, 29, was more than just a name — he was a son, a brother, a friend, and a bright spirit known throughout Rennert for his generous heart and infectious personality. Known for his easygoing nature and deep-rooted loyalty to his loved ones, Jacob was a familiar face around town. Whether he was helping a neighbor fix their car, volunteering at local events, or playing pickup basketball with friends at the park, he brought positivity and warmth wherever he went.

According to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to reports of gunfire around 9:30 p.m. on Lyndsey Lane, a quiet road just west of the Shannon area. Upon arrival, they found Jacob suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency responders attempted lifesaving measures at the scene before transporting him to UNC Health Southeastern in Lumberton, where he was later pronounced dead.

Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting and have yet to release details regarding potential suspects or motives. They are urging anyone with information to come forward as they work tirelessly to uncover the truth behind the senseless act of violence that took Jacob’s life.

In the wake of the tragedy, grief has gripped the community. The streets of Rennert are lined with mourning friends and neighbors, many of whom gathered for a candlelight vigil held in Jacob’s memory Thursday night. Lit by soft candle flames and tearful prayers, the vigil was a poignant reflection of just how deeply Jacob was loved and how profoundly his absence will be felt.

“He was the kind of person you could always count on,” said family friend Marcus Lowry. “If you were going through something, Jacob would be there — no questions asked. He didn’t deserve this.”

Williamson’s death has struck especially hard among the local youth, many of whom looked up to him as a mentor and big brother figure. He had plans to coach a local youth basketball team this summer and had recently started taking online courses in criminal justice with hopes of one day becoming a probation officer. His family says Jacob was committed to building a better life — not just for himself, but for others.

His mother, Laverne Williamson, released a heartfelt statement through a family friend: “Jacob was our heart. He brought us so much joy, and it’s impossible to imagine a world without his laughter. We ask for your prayers and for justice to be served.”

Community leaders have also spoken out in support of the Williamson family, calling for peace, unity, and support for local law enforcement as the investigation continues. “We’ve lost a bright light in our town,” said Councilman Robert Chavis. “We must come together, not just in mourning, but in action — to ensure no other family has to endure this pain.”

A memorial fund has been established to help the Williamson family with funeral expenses, and donations have poured in from across Robeson County. Plans for a community day in Jacob’s honor are also underway, where residents will gather not only to remember his life but to recommit themselves to ending violence in their neighborhoods.

As Rennert mourns one of its own, the call for justice grows louder. For a young man whose life was marked by compassion, dreams, and quiet strength, the pain of his loss is profound — but so, too, is the love he leaves behind. Jacob Williamson will be remembered not for how he died, but for how he lived: with heart, with hope, and with a deep and unwavering care for those around him