Tyre Nichols Memorial Fund

WHAT HAPPENED TO TYRE

My name is RowVaughn Wells. I am the mother of Tyre Nichols. My son, Tyre Nichols, was pulled over for suspected “reckless driving” on January 7, 2023. There is no evidence to substantiate this claim. Further, police claim that my son left the scene on foot. It turns out that he was just trying to get to my house for safety -- which was only a few blocks away from where the incident happened. My baby was just trying to make it home to be safe in my arms. Tyre was unarmed, nonthreatening, and respectful to police during the entire encounter!

BRUTALLY BEATEN BEYOND RECOGNITION

During my son's interaction with the police, they beat him beyond recognition until he became unconscious. He was then taken to a hospital and immediately placed on life support. He died 3 days later, but I believe that my son died on January 7th, the moment those 5 Black Memphis Police Officers pulled Tyre over and beat him to death for no good reason. His cousin who saw him in the hospital, swollen and disfigured, like “he was a scary monster.”

WHERE THE INVESTIGATION STANDS

All 5 Officers have been fired, and charges ranging from Murder 2 to Kidnapping, have been filed against them. The video of Tyre's murder is set to be released any day now. I would like to warn everyone that the contents of the video are "horrific." However, I am asking people to protest in peace after its release. I don’t want us burning up our cities, and tearing up the streets because that’s not what my son stood for.

ABOUT TYRE

Tyre Nichols was loved by his community and was known to be gentle, kind, and joyful. He loved skating and was originally from the Bay Area in California. He was known as someone “you know when he comes through the door he wants to give you a hug” and that “he wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

He had never been in trouble with the law, not even a parking ticket. He was an honest man, a wonderful son, and kind to everyone. He was quirky and true to himself, and his loss will be felt nationally.

WE ARE SEEKING SUPPORT FOR OUR FAMILY AND TYRE'S MEMORIAL

My husband and I have had our entire world turned upside down by what happened to our son. We are two hardworking, loving parents, that now have to turn our full-time attention to seeking proper justice for our son, Tyre Nichols. In addition, we have yet to have the proper space to begin our grieving process, which will be long and burdensome. This fundraiser will help cover the costs of our mental health services. It will also cover time off from our 9-5 jobs because we do not have unlimited PTO. Additionally, we want to build a memorial skate park for Tyre, in honor of his love for skating and sunsets. <3

Note: Thank you to COMMUNITYx, a social network for change, and its CEO Chloe Sledd, who have helped our family create this fundraiser and bring greater justice to this issue.