Death is never an easy occurrence at any age. However, when death happens in young people, the shockwaves can be felt for years to come. The Fourth of July is a time for family, food, fun, and fireworks. However, for one local family, that day will represent when tragedy struck. Determined to continue his legacy, the Austin R. King Memorial Scholarship Fund will help a grieving family cope while giving another child the opportunity to earn a college degree.
Born to Terri Lynne Flowers and Edric King, Austin King was a graduate of Eastern Michigan University. The business administration major held a specialty in marketing and a minor in banking and finance. With a promising career ahead, King was on the way to reaching career heights.
“The scholarship derived from my son who worked for one of the local banking institutions and in working for the institution and sharing the news of his untimely death with his supervisor, she said ‘so many people are coming in wanting to know what they could do,” says Terri. “She asked if we’d considered starting a scholarship fund or foundation and at that time, that was nowhere near on my mind.”
An avid adventurer, the 27-year-old lived life to its fullest, well-traveled, cultured, and lover of water sports. Extreme physical activities not only gave the enthusiast a thrill, but they also brought happiness. Ultimately losing his life in a jet ski accident, plans for the future were cut short.
“One thing I will say, my son, in his untimely death, was living his best life. That’s a term that a lot of young people are familiar with,” says Terri. “He was following his dreams and his God given vision.”
The Austin R. King Memorial Scholarship Fund is open to Detroit-area college students pursuing a degree in business administration. Established just after King’s passing in July 2021, the scholarship is open to those already in college or about to enter. The goal of the scholarship is to help students whose educational journey is similar to that of King’s, the foundation will also extend its criteria to marketing students as this was an area of study close to King.
“We’re still etching those details, but I know right now they will probably have to be a marketing student. Someone who is going in the same direction Austin was going in banking and finance,” says Terri.
“It’s helping in grieving by knowing that hopefully it will enable somebody to further their education. Possibly someone who is unfortunate and is not able to go to school and needs some additional help or means. That’s how it will be a blessing to someone,” says Terri.
“He was working on a master’s degree. He was just starting to excel in life. Life was just starting to take off and he could see the fruits of his labor. That’s why the scholarship is important too,” says Terri. “When a student can look back over their hard work, it’s encouraging to them.”
Reverend Kenneth Flowers, bonus father to Austin King, and presiding pastor over The Greater New Mount Moriah Baptist Church plans to ensure the scholarship is yearly.
“Our plan is to give at least $1,000, preferably, to two students and maybe $500 in some aspects to others. We definitely want to continue this and it will be an annual thing,” says Rev. Flowers. “In doing so every year, we keep Austin’s name alive and memory alive.”
For his exemplary actions in life, President Joe Biden,
Brenda Jones, Mayor Mike Duggan as well as Governor Gretchen Whitmer sent letters of condolences.
For those who would like to make donations to the scholarship fund, checks are accepted and are to be made payable to Austin R. King Memorial Scholarship Fund at any Comerica Bank location or via Zelle. Applications to apply will be soon announced.
There is still an open case in the state of Illinois in Austin King’s accident.
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