Sign in

Who was Ryder Harrington? First victim of Austin Bar shooting identified as Texas tech student; GoFundMe launched

Ryder Harrington, a Texas Tech student, was killed in a mass shooting in Austin. A GoFundMe campaign is launched to support his family.

Updated on: Mar 2, 2026, 23:20:58 IST
Share
Share via
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • whatsapp
Copy link
  • copy link

A student from Texas Tech was among the two individuals who lost their lives in a mass shooting at a bar in Austin, as reported in a social media update by Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows.

A Texas Tech student, Ryder Harrington, was killed in an Austin bar shooting. A GoFundMe has been launched for his family. (GoFundMe)
A Texas Tech student, Ryder Harrington, was killed in an Austin bar shooting. A GoFundMe has been launched for his family. (GoFundMe)

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist the family of Ryder Harrington.

The tragic shooting resulted in the death of 3 people and injuries to 14 others.

The FBI is conducting an investigation into the shooting, considering it as a possible act of terrorism.

Also Read: What is DraftBarronTrump.com? Satire website calls for Trump's youngest son to join Iran war, ‘Dog bless…’

Who was Ryder Harrington? All on his GoFundMe campaign

Harrington was part of the Fall 2024 Pledge Class of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. The fraternity announced via an Instagram post that a candlelight vigil will take place on Monday evening in his memory.

The vigil is scheduled for 1410 Orlando Ave. at 8 p.m.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our brother, Ryder Harrington, a member of the Fall 2024 Pledge Class,” the GoFundMe read.

“His character and genuine spirit made our chapter stronger and our friendships deeper. The energy he carried, the joy he spread, and the way he made everyone feel welcome are things we will never forget. He made the world around him better simply by being in it,” it continued.

“Ryder had a rare ability to truly enjoy life to make people laugh, to make moments feel bigger, and to make ordinary days unforgettable. If anyone embodied what it meant to live fully and love deeply, it was Ryder.”

As of Monday morning, the GoFundMe campaign had accumulated more than $41,000, approaching its target of $50,000.

Also Read: 'Did World War 3 just start?': US-Iran escalation sparks fears on social media

Dustin Burrows

Speaker of the Texas House, Dustin Burrows, stated on X Sunday evening that the passing of Harrington has affected Team Burrows family particularly deeply.

“Ryder was the brother-in-law of one of our own, and our hearts are aching alongside his loved ones,” Burrows stated. “Elisabeth and I are praying for Avery and Ryan, the entire Harrington family, and everyone who loved Ryder—the number appears to be countless. We ask that you lift them up as well.”

Who was Austin Bar shooting suspect?

The suspect of Austin Bar shooting has been identified as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne.

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis stated that Diagne, who was shot by the police, did not enter the bar but rather opened fire on patrons from the street using a rifle and a handgun.

Authorities are persistently examining the shooting incident and the motive behind Diagne's actions.

  • Shweta Kukreti
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Shweta Kukreti

    Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.