A Westlake High School engineering teacher was shot dead by his younger brother on Head Road in southwest Atlanta in what police believe was a murder-suicide. A fundraising campaign has been established to support the family of the victim, 55-year-old Kelvin Smith.
According to Atlanta police, Smith lost his life at a residence along Head Road. Smith's son, Kwaku, was present inside the home during the shooting and stated that his father shielded his family until his final moments.
Smith was a graduate of Georgia Tech who left behind an engineering profession to follow his calling in education. He instructed engineering courses at Westlake High School and spent nearly two decades during summers at Phillips Academy in Andover, where he developed the Beyond Robots Program.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of Smith's brother, nor has the underlying motive for the murder-suicide been made public.
Desiree Smith, Kelvin's ex-wife, described him as the most optimistic individual she had ever encountered. Together, the pair raised three adult children and were actively helping raise two grandchildren on the same street.
His daughter, Ayanna Smith, noted that her father served as a father figure to countless students, adding that his love and care were palpable to everyone he met. Former colleagues also recalled his habit of offering direct words of appreciation to students, faculty, and dining hall staff alike.
The newly launched online fundraiser states that Smith touched numerous lives and families globally. Organizers noted that the family is navigating the loss of an elder, father, mentor, and community pillar who remains a guiding light.
Contributions to the fund are intended to assist with transitional expenses, services, upkeep for the family home, utilities, land maintenance, and comprehensive bereavement care and therapy.