'Big heart': Family, friends identify one victim of FSU shooting as Robert Morales

The Florida State University shooting took what loved ones described as a big-hearted man.

Robert Morales, the university's dining coordinator, was one of the two people shot and killed during the mass shooting that shook the university and community.

Aside from his dining service work, Robert was a long-time special teams coach for Leon High School's football program and a partner in local favorite Gordos Cuban Cuisine.

A 20-year-old student, Phoenix Ikner, opened fire April 17 at the FSU Student Union, killing Morales and Aramark vendor Tiru Chabba, and injuring six.

Amid the chaos of the active shooting, information was hard to come by, and Ricardo Morales, Robert's brother, was posting on X saying he was waiting for updates.

"My brother works on campus at FSU," Ricardo posted April 17 at 12:44 p.m., an hour after the shooting began. "Waiting on a call back."

By 3 p.m., he still had no word from his brother or police: "No news so far. Time goes by slowly now."

That night, just before 10 p.m., Ricardo broke the silence with the news that his brother had been fatally shot.

"Today we lost my younger brother," he posted. "I'm glad you were in my life."

"Hug your loved ones call your family — life is short," Ricardo added.

Gordo's owner, Eddie Argamonte, said the event that unfolded was "a horrible, senseless tragedy."

"While it has been a long time since we worked together, my heart breaks for all the family and friends of Robert Morales," Agramonte said. "The Seminole nation is strong and I'm proud of how our community is rallying around each other during this time of loss."

Leon High School Athletics posted a statement in honor of Robert's life. He was described as a "trusted coach, a respected colleague and a cherished friend to many."

"Our hearts are heavy, and we will join the broader Tallahassee community in mourning his passing," the athletics department said.

Current Lions Athletic Director and former assistant football coach Riley Bell coached with Robert and said he had a "big heart." He said Robert spent about six to eight years with the program and was a "valuable" member of the team.

"A great guy. Good heart, family man," Bell said. "Just full of energy and very happy. It's tragic to hear this news."

Morales coached special teams, with a knack for teaching long snapping, at Leon under Bill Ragans, the Lions' head coach from 2006-12 and current Chiles High head coach. Ragans said Morales also routinely fed the team at no charge.

He described Morales as a "great guy who loved being around the kids and coaching. He had a way with kids and he knew his football, too. Players loved him."

Former Leon football player Holton Graham posted a heartfelt message Friday on Facebook, saying, "You coached us, taught us, fed us on your own dime, droves to out of town camps. All with the signature smile & positivity. Heartbroken for your family. R.I.P. Coach."

Added former Lion Gabe Beyer on Facebook: "Coach thank you for the many lessons taught and the example you showed for hundreds of young men whose lives you forever impacted. You were the definition of selfless and humble. .... We will always remember the delicious Cuban food you would bring from your restaurant for our pregame meals. We love you coach and know we will see you again!"

The family has launched a GoFundMe at https://www.gofundme.com/f/robert-morales-fsu-shooting-victim .

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Local government watchdog reporter Elena Barrera can be reached at  ebarrera@tallahassee.com . Follow her on X:  @elenabarreraaa .

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: One victim identified from Florida State University mass shooting