A young life filled with music and promise. His story was just beginning

Central State University student Joshua Knowles was already building the life he had dreamed about as a music student, a marching band member, a fraternity brother, son, brother and a friend.

To the people who knew him best, he was a young man whose energy, determination and love for people around him left an impression.

Since his death, those who loved him are trying to make sense of a future without him.

Joshua, a Bahamian student at Central State in Ohio, died after suffering a medical emergency while on campus.

He was expected to graduate in Spring 2027.

Joshua graduated from Government High School and received the Public School Scholars Programme award in 2022, helping him continue his education at Central State University.

He pursued music and became part of the university’s Invincible Marching Marauders, where his talent and commitment made him part of a community that considered itself a family.

He was also a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Central State remembered Joshua as a valuable member of its marching band family.

“Our band is a family and we will lean on each other and honor his memory as we navigate this loss together,” said Eric Walker, IMM Consultant.

The Ministry of Education described Joshua as a young scholar who was continuing his educational journey.

Friend, Amiel Johnson, said in a post that their friendship began in the fourth grade.

They grew up together, marched together and collected years of memories, the kind of friendship where, Johnson said, one phone call was enough to bring them together no matter how busy life became.

“It was deeper than just friendship, you were my brother,” Johnson wrote.

He remembered Joshua’s drive, talent, dedication to his craft and love for his family.

“Heaven gained one of the best musicians and swimmers ever,” Johnson wrote.

For Joshua’s brother Xavier, the loss comes after an already devastating year.

He said that within five months, he lost both of his grandmothers and now his brother.

“I can’t get pass this,” he wrote.

But amid the grief, Xavier said, “I’m thankful for the 22 years God placed you in my life,” he wrote. “I was proud of your journey.

“I will shout your name from every mountain top.”

Born Again Deliverance Ministries also mourned Joshua, with Pastor Kelson Miller describing him as a talented young man with a bright future who was already working toward building a better life through education.

Joshua was 22.