Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Editor’s note and correction (July 8): An earlier version of this story stated that Dejaun Taylor died in the hospital rather than on scene. This is a developing story and we will update it as new information becomes available.
On June 29, at the well-known Tennessee climbing gym Memphis Rox, 25-year-old climber and gym employee Jarmond Johnson lost his life in a shooting.
According to information released to Climbing by the Memphis Police Department, an argument around 4 p.m. that day escalated into a shooting at the gym. A second person involved, Dejuan Taylor, also lost his life. Memphis Police reported that one victim was transported to the hospital in critical condition, and another was pronounced dead on scene.
According to local news outlet Fox 13, when police arrived at Memphis Rox at 4:13 p.m., they arrested 28-year-old Farris Haley, who allegedly attempted to grab a gun and flee. Fox 13 reported that Haley was charged with tampering with evidence and resisting official detention.
“Preliminary information advises that the subjects were known to one another,” Officer Theresa Carlson with the Memphis Police Department says. She adds that the shooting remains an ongoing investigation.
Memphis Rox announced on Instagram that it would be closed temporarily while its staff and community processed their grief. The gym also shared on Instagram that Johnson’s funeral would take place on July 12, and that a ceremonial climb would be held on July 13.
Johnson was a prominent and beloved member of the Memphis climbing community. He served as the outreach coordinator at Memphis Rox. In January 2024, he summited Mt. Kenya, Africa’s second highest peak after Mt. Kilimanjaro. He also worked with Alex Honnold and the Honnold Foundation to install solar panels at Memphis Rox.
The climbing community is reeling from the tragedy. Alpinist and executive director of Full Circle Expeditions Phil Henderson posted on Instagram, calling Johnson “a guiding light.”
View this post on Instagram
And pro climber Sam Elias shared on Instagram that Johnson always made him laugh and “was so old for how young you were.”
View this post on Instagram
Memphis Rox is a nonprofit climbing gym dedicated to making climbing more accessible, and providing “rehabilitation, healing, and a renewed sense of hope to challenged communities.” More information about Memphis Rox and its mission can be found here.