Strailya “Straybaby” Vick, 18, Killed; Another Injured in Norfolk, Virginia Shooting at Old Dominion University Campus Parking Lot

On the night of February 26, 2025, tragedy struck in Norfolk, Virginia, when a shooting incident unfolded at Old Dominion University (ODU), leaving an 18-year-old victim dead and another injured. The victims, who have been identified as Strailya “Straybaby” Vick, the deceased, and the injured individual whose name has not been released, were not affiliated with the university in any way. Both victims were in the vicinity of Parking Lot 3 near the Broderick Dining Commons on West 49th Street when the tragic shooting occurred.

The shooting took place at approximately 9:50 p.m., a time when many students and staff were winding down after a day of classes and activities. Strailya Vick, described as “18 years old,” tragically lost their life from the wounds sustained in the attack. The other victim, whose identity remains anonymous for now, was immediately rushed to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital along with Vick, but their injuries were not life-threatening. The pain and loss felt by Vick’s family have been articulated through heartfelt social media posts, where a relative of the victim shared the devastation, urging their community to keep them in their thoughts and prayers. A family member of Strailya Vick expressed on social media, “Y’all pray for my family… my lil cousin died tonight… 18 years old… shooting that happened at ODU… my family is once again in turmoil… DEATH IS NOT EASY.”

Law enforcement responded swiftly to the situation. Norfolk Police, after arriving at the scene, secured the area and began investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting. The authorities confirmed that neither of the victims was associated with Old Dominion University, ruling out any potential links to campus activities or students. The police have not yet provided further details on potential suspects or the motive behind the crime. However, they have opened a full investigation to uncover the events that led to this horrific incident.

In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Old Dominion University’s campus was placed on high alert. At 10:01 p.m., just 11 minutes after the incident, the university sent out an emergency notification via email, phone, and text, advising students, faculty, and staff to shelter in place while authorities worked to secure the campus and investigate the shooting. This measure caused considerable concern among those on campus, as the night’s tragic event unfolded in a campus parking lot that, despite its proximity to dining areas, is not typically seen as a high-risk area for criminal activity.

For many in the ODU community, the notion of a shooting occurring on a campus associated with academia, dormitories, and a bustling student population is shocking. Old Dominion University, with a reputation for fostering an environment of learning and growth, now finds itself grappling with the aftermath of a senseless act of violence.

Police Investigation and Campus Response

The Norfolk Police Department is currently leading the investigation into the incident. Authorities have not released the identities of the other victim or provided further details about the shooting, including whether or not it was a targeted attack or an act of random violence. Investigators are focusing their efforts on piecing together evidence from the scene, reviewing surveillance footage from campus security cameras, and speaking with witnesses who may have observed the events leading up to the shooting.

As part of the ongoing investigation, police have asked for the public’s assistance in identifying anyone who may have information about the crime. They have also urged individuals who were in the area at the time of the shooting to come forward and share any details that might help in solving the case. Law enforcement is reportedly conducting interviews with anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious during the critical window around 9:50 p.m.

In addition to the efforts of local police, Old Dominion University’s campus security has ramped up measures to ensure the safety of the university’s students, faculty, and staff. After the incident, campus police and other security personnel began patrolling the area more frequently, and additional surveillance equipment has been implemented in key areas on campus.

The university’s administration has expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and vowed to fully cooperate with the authorities in the investigation. In a public statement, Old Dominion University President, Dr. Brian O. Hemphill, said, “We are deeply saddened by this senseless tragedy, and our hearts go out to the victims and their families. ODU is committed to supporting law enforcement in their efforts to bring those responsible to justice.”

The Victims: Strailya “Straybaby” Vick

Strailya “Straybaby” Vick, the 18-year-old who tragically lost their life that evening, was remembered by family members and friends for their warmth, kindness, and outgoing nature. While details about Vick’s personal life remain scarce, the emotional response from their family paints a picture of a young person with a bright future ahead. Vick’s cousin, in an emotional post shared shortly after the news broke, wrote about the pain of losing such a young member of their family. “Y’all pray for my family… my lil cousin died tonight… 18 years old… shooting that happened at ODU… my family is once again in turmoil… DEATH IS NOT EASY.”

The loss of Strailya Vick is felt not only by their immediate family but also by the broader community of friends and acquaintances who remember them fondly. The widespread outpouring of support on social media illustrates the significant impact Vick had on the lives of those who knew them. Family and friends are left to process the tragedy and search for answers, while also coming to terms with the fact that the life of such a young person was violently taken too soon.

At the time of the shooting, Vick was not attending Old Dominion University, and there is no known link between the victim and the university’s community or any activities on the campus. Norfolk Police have indicated that their investigation will seek to determine whether there was any connection between the victims and the location of the shooting or if it was a random act of violence.

The Community’s Reaction

The ODU shooting has left the university’s community shaken, with many students and staff expressing their shock and concern over the violence. Norfolk, a city with a population of nearly 250,000, has long been a place known for its quiet charm and close-knit community. News of such an incident occurring on a college campus, particularly at ODU, has sent ripples of concern throughout the city.

Students, who may have heard sirens or seen emergency vehicles rush past, have expressed their shock online. Many have also shared their experiences of being alerted by the university and instructed to remain inside their dormitories and classrooms during the emergency response. The campus community is still reeling from the unsettling realization that an event like this could occur on what is usually considered a safe campus.

Students and alumni alike have posted messages of condolences for the victims, calling for stronger campus security measures and expressing their fears about the safety of students and faculty on the university grounds. In the wake of the incident, some students have called for increased campus vigilance and greater measures to prevent future violence.

The university has yet to announce any specific changes to campus security protocols, but given the nature of the crime, it is expected that there will be a review of current safety measures in place.

The Broader Context: Gun Violence and Safety Concerns

While this incident is still under investigation, it contributes to an ongoing discussion in the U.S. about gun violence and safety, particularly in areas where students and young people gather. In recent years, shootings on or near college campuses have become an unfortunate reality across the nation.

The deadly shooting in Norfolk on February 26, 2025, once again raises questions about how institutions of higher learning can better protect students, faculty, and staff from violence while ensuring that campuses remain welcoming and conducive to learning. University administrations nationwide continue to face scrutiny about their preparedness in the face of potential violence. Many have already taken steps to implement security protocols such as active shooter drills, better surveillance, and increased security patrols in response to past incidents.

Conclusion

The tragic shooting at Old Dominion University on February 26, 2025, has brought attention to the safety of public spaces and educational institutions. Strailya “Straybaby” Vick, a young 18-year-old whose life was taken too soon, is remembered by their family and friends as a person full of potential, now lost in a senseless act of violence. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and authorities are working diligently to find those responsible. Meanwhile, the university and the city of Norfolk continue to process the emotional and psychological impact of this tragedy on their community.

This incident serves as a somber reminder of the vulnerability that communities face and highlights the need for ongoing discussions and action around preventing gun violence and enhancing public safety, particularly on college campuses. The memory of Strailya Vick will continue to be honored by those who knew them, as well as by those who are left to mourn the loss of a young life cut short by violence.