WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — A man known for his good works, leadership and charity had the ability to inspire others before his unexpected death earlier this week.
38-year-old Nigel Franklin went missing on Saturday, June 28, after plans to go kayaking and fishing on the Potomac River, according to his friend and fraternity brother, Jamaal Waith.
Waith said he was among those searching for his friend before officials recovered Franklin’s body on Monday.
“I’m truly shocked,” Waith said. “It was totally unexpected. I had seen him Saturday at a service event.”
Franklin was initiated into the Kappa Psi Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in 2011. Even then, he was always looking for ways to serve people and the community, leading to a lasting friendship with Waith.
“That was one of both of our passions,” Waith said. “We were always looking for service opportunities.”
The 2011 initiate was described as being full of laughter and extremely loyal. On the day he went missing, Waith was with Franklin at a service project at Kenilworth Park, where they were helping remove invasive species.
“Only Nigel could get people to do that,” Waith said.
However, the day took a turn when Waith later received a call that his friend was missing.
The Metropolitan Police Department’s Harbor Patrol later revealed that Franklin was found dead in the Potomac River after an extensive search. The Kappa Psi Chapter held a memorial for Franklin on Monday.
“Trying to find the right words to describe a friend, a brother, a son — it’s extremely difficult,” Waith said.
Franklin lifted people up, made those around him question themselves and challenge their own perspectives. Even on one of his final days, he spent his time giving back to the community and leaving his mark on those he leaves behind.
