This has been a heartbreaking day: the horrific shooting in Texas, and now news of the death of Jordan Shelley, a 22-year-old Ethiopian adoptee, here in Seattle.

Jordan’s car had broken down on the Ship Canal Bridge in Seattle’s University District around 4:30am. His car was hit by another car, and Jordan was flung off the bridge, 182 feet above the water. Jordan’s body was found around 9am this morning.

The driver of the car that hit Jordan was arrested for suspicion of drunk driving. He is also 22 years old.

Jordan, along with two younger siblings, was adopted from Ethiopia in 2008 by Teresa and Lanny Shelley, and raised on Whidbey Island, near Seattle. According to this 2018 article, Jordan received a two year full scholarship to the University of Washington, where he was studying to be an anesthesiologist.

According to KIRO-News, Jordan’s mother Teresa Shelley said that “her son lived with purpose and always gave ‘150 percent’ to whatever he was doing. She said his Ethiopian name was Meloawl, which means, ‘What may I do for you?’ “

According to the Whidbey News-Times, Jordan completed his last two years of high school while simultaneously completing his associate’s degree. He wanted to be a doctor so that he could help people like his Ethiopian father, who had died when Jordan was 7 years old.

Deep condolences to all of Jordan’s family and friends. A terrible loss.

Rest in Peace and in power. እግዚያብሔር ይባርክ God bless you.