Kentucky football assists in funeral of slain 10-year-old

Lexington was rocked by heartbreak. One of the city’s young, bright sons lost his life in a tragedy. During the family’s darkest hour, the community rose to the occasion to lighten the load for those stricken by grief.

On Sunday, Feb. 7, police responded to shots fired at a North Lexington home. It turned into a murder-suicide investigation when officers discovered two dead at the scene, Tyrus Lathem, 22, and Landon Hayes, 10.

Many learned the news from Landon’s football team. A star for the Lexington Ravens, his coaches described him as, “smart, athletic, funny and full of life.” Even though he was young, Courtney Love believed Landon had a bright future.

“He was a special young man. He really was,” Love told KSR. “I don’t know if I met a 10-year-old that has wisdom like he did and the stature that he did.”

Love, Kentucky’s current director of player development, saw Landon playing ball when he was still playing ball for the Wildcats. The former Kentucky linebacker was neighbors with Landon’s uncle, Alexis, when he first moved to town. Last fall Love invited Landon to one of the Wildcats’ pre-Citrus Bowl practices. Not only did the youngster get to meet his favorite football players, he learned a few life skills while touring Kentucky’s facilities.

“He talked to Landon and knew that Landon was going to be a great athlete,” his grandfather, Alvin, a long-time KSR caller, shared on Tuesday morning’s show. “… I’m very grateful to the University of Kentucky football program for that show of love.”

Call to Action in the Community

When Landon lost his life, the family needed help. The Lexington community did not hesitate. Father Jim Sichko helped organize efforts to raise $5,000 to cover all funeral expenses. Meanwhile, Love assembled players from his team to be there for Landon’s family.

“However we can support, I want to support,” Love told Landon’s uncle. “I wouldn’t hesitate. Certainly the guys I reached out to on the team didn’t hesitate to come out and help.”

Love volunteered to speak at the service and recruited others to join him as pallbearers: Tre’Vonn Rybka, Jager Burton, DeMarcus Harris, Jacquez Jones, Keaton Upshaw and Keith Hackett II, assistant of player development. The players are all from different states, ranging from Florida to Ohio and everywhere in between, but still felt called to help their Kentucky brethren.

“When you can impact a community and be there for those families in those times when they really need the community most, I think that’s what we’re called to do. We have to play our part and that’s a part of it,” said Love.

Sadly, tragedy is no stranger to this Kentucky football program. In 2018 the entire team attended the funeral of Marco Shemwell, a four-year-old who was killed when struck by a vehicle outside of Kroger Field. Two years later, they buried their offensive line coach, John Schlarman. This year’s Super Bowl commercial ended with a nod to Chris Oats, the star linebacker that is still recovering from a stroke. Through tragedy, the program has become united, called to serve the community during times of distress.

“We’ve had a lot of different things happen. It’s one of those things where we’re going to show up and we’re going to do what God calls us to do and that’s to serve our community and our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ,” said Love. “At the end of the day, that’s something I want to continue to instill and build in our program, because quite frankly, that’s what our program is about.”