Tragedy Strikes During Houston Greek Picnic Two Kappa Alpha Psi Brothers Killed by Drunk Driver

Houston TX – What was meant to be a weekend of unity culture and celebration turned into a heartbreaking tragedy for the Black Greek community. Two young men Ronnie Burns II and Jayden Fleming both 22-year-old graduates of Florida A&M University and proud members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity lost their lives in a devastating crash caused by a suspected drunk driver in Midtown Houston during the annual Texas Greek Picnic.

According to reports the crash happened around 2:00 a.m. on August 2 2025 near the intersection of Smith and Elgin Streets. The two fraternity brothers were in a white Lexus when they were struck by a speeding driver identified as 21-year-old Rene Hernandez. Hernandez had reportedly been involved in multiple hit-and-run collisions and was fleeing from law enforcement. Witnesses say he ran a red light at high speed before slamming into the Lexus carrying the two young men killing them instantly and igniting the vehicle in flames.

Authorities reported that Hernandez had a strong smell of alcohol on his breath at the scene. He was transported to the hospital where he underwent surgery and is now facing multiple charges including murder. Upon his release he will be transferred to Harris County Jail.

This senseless loss has sent shockwaves through Florida A&M University Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and the broader Divine Nine community. The two young men were not just fraternity brothers but campus leaders scholars and beloved sons. Friends describe them as dedicated ambitious and full of life. They had traveled to Houston to be part of one of the largest gatherings celebrating Black Greek-letter organizations. That celebration has now turned into mourning.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by the FAMU chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi to support the families of Ronnie and Jayden with funeral and memorial expenses. The support has poured in from across the country with messages of condolences love and outrage over the lives cut short by reckless behavior.

The Texas Greek Picnic has long been a hallmark of pride culture and fellowship among HBCU graduates and Black Greeks. This year’s tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drunk driving and the urgent need for accountability.

The Black Insider stands in solidarity with the families of Ronnie Burns II and Jayden Fleming the brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi and the entire FAMU community. We honor their memory and uplift their names as shining examples of Black excellence gone far too soon.

More updates will follow as the legal proceedings against the driver unfold and as the community continues to rally in remembrance of two lives that meant so much to so many