INDIANAPOLIS — Manual High School students and staff are mourning the loss of the school's resource officer.
A school spokesperson confirmed Officer Devon Myers has died.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Myers' family and the students and staff of Emmerich Manual High School," a statement from the school said. "He was an incredible man and served as an inspirational mentor to many. He will be greatly missed."
The spokesperson could not provide additional details regarding Myers' death.
Antonio Hamilton met Myers in 2018 at Marion Academy, a former charter school on the northeast side of Indianapolis where Myers also worked. Hamilton said Myers always treated students like they were his kids.
"He was always there when we needed him, especially me," Hamilton said. "I was dealing with a lot and I went to Officer Myers a lot with my problems. He never turned me away. He sat and walked with me and listened to me vent and cry. He was always there and he knew. He knew when something was wrong with you even when you said you was good. He knew."
Hamilton credited Myers with providing the inspiration he needed to continue working toward graduation.
"He meant so much to me. I try to make him proud," Hamilton said. "I told him about my goals. I told him about the auditions I had or what I posted on YouTube. I told him everything when I seen him. He kept me guided and if it wasn’t for him and the support and love he gave me, I wouldn’t be finishing school."
An Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department public information officer said Myers was not an officer with the department.
Family, friends and people affiliated with Manual are posting memories of Myers in a DevonStrong Facebook group.
A balloon release in Myers' memory will take place at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the former Marion Academy building.
