FAMU to remember fallen Rattler, hold candelight vigil

A man of impeccable character. He made everyone around him better and never looked down on another person. He had the manners, the brains and was an amazing athlete.
Those are just a few of the warm words friends and family left in remembrance of Antwan “Kelo” Ivey. The 24-year-old transfer student from Charleston Southern University who hoped to play in the NFL is now in that “big football field in the sky,” one friend said.
Florida A&M is holding a candlelight vigil today at 6 p.m. at the Eternal Flame for Ivey, a Rattler who died suddenly last week while playing basketball.
Paramedics were rushed to the scene, but Ivey was pronounced dead at Tallahassee Memorial Medical Trauma Center from what seemed to be a case of cardiac arrest. Ivey, who was raised in Gainesville, is survived by his mother and brothers.
He will be remembered as a brother, son, athlete, mentor and more. To one friend, he will remain “every father’s dream.”
“Most fathers hated the thought of their daughters even thinking of guys, but Antwan Ivey was definitely an exception to the rules,” she said.
Ivey was more than a friend to Elantra Long, a longtime friend from Gainesville.
“He was a comedian when I wanted to laugh, a tutor when I needed help with my homework, a diary, a shoulder to lean on and a girl’s best friend,” Long said.
Friends said Ivey was an amazing athlete. He was “one of the greatest that has ever been blessed to touch a football and basketball,” said Benita McCray-Brown, a family friend. “He was passionate about his sports when he played. He gave his all.”
Tony Mendez, a FAMU alumnus and childhood friend, said he was a caring person.
“I’ll never forget the way he accepted me when I was the new kid at Oakview Middle School in sixth grade,” Mendez said. “He could always make you laugh, and everyone loved being around him.”
Jaquinta Wiggins, a friend from Gainesville, said the athletic, great student, friend and son “is a legend and should be remembered forever.”

Nolan McCaskill contributed to this article.