MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis community is grieving the tragic loss of Jarmond Johnson, 25, who was one of two people fatally shot during a violent incident Sunday afternoon at Memphis Rox, a nonprofit climbing gym in the Soulsville neighborhood.
Johnson’s family confirmed his identity Monday, describing him as a dedicated gym employee, world traveler, mountain climber, and above all, a peaceful soul whose presence touched many lives.
According to a close relative, Johnson had worked at Memphis Rox for years and was deeply woven into the gym’s mission of community empowerment. He found climbing as a way to change the course of his life and went on to achieve extraordinary things, climbing mountains across the globe — including expeditions in Africa and Antarctica. His journey from personal transformation to inspiring others was nothing short of remarkable.
“He worked all kinds of jobs and worked for everything he had,” the family member shared. “Jarmond kept people calm. He knew how to talk to anyone. He never wanted conflict or fighting — he was just a peaceful person.”
Perhaps most heartbreakingly, Johnson was expecting a child.
“He was something special,” the relative added, visibly emotional. “It hit so hard because he was such a good person.”
The fatal shooting occurred during a dispute at the climbing facility on McLemore Avenue. While Johnson and another man, who has not yet been publicly identified, lost their lives, details surrounding the incident remain under active investigation.
In a statement posted to Facebook, Memphis Rox confirmed one of their own had been killed in the tragedy and announced the gym would remain closed on Monday as staff and the community process their grief.
“Jarmond was more than an employee — he was family,” one staff member wrote in a tribute post. “His spirit lifted this space, and his absence is unimaginable.”
The Soulsville community and Memphis Rox family are now left to mourn the loss of a young man who brought light, encouragement, and peace to everyone around him. As tributes pour in from fellow climbers, friends, and those whose lives he touched, Jarmond Johnson is being remembered not only for the mountains he climbed — but for the people he uplifted along the way.
