COLUMBUS, Ohio — The sudden passing of 38-year-old Ronald Diggs caught those who knew him by total surprise. The news, which spread quickly across the country via social media – left many in disbelief.
Diggs was killed after a fight broke out at a Waffle House near Ohio State's campus early Monday morning. A fight his friends say he had nothing to do with.
“It was simply a matter of being at the wrong place and the wrong time,” said Robbie Rickard.
The beloved entertainer who had a passion for dancing, which earned him countless crowns, titles and LGBTQ+ pageants across the country, was visiting Columbus from Atlanta for a show in the Short North last weekend.
“He was happy doing something he loved and that was dancing,” explained Rickard.
Known by many across the country as King Ry'Yon Shugahbear Tajoure, the stage was his throne.
“He was just one of the kindest people you would ever meet and could just light up a room – no matter where he went,” Rickard said.
As Rickard grieves the loss of his friend, his heart is also heavy with the feeling of guilt. He was the reason Diggs, and his friend Christopher Johnson were in Columbus over the weekend, supporting an event he was hosting at a local club.
“He was here just to simply be an entertainer, and to judge that event. Little did we know – that would be his last dance,” explained Rickard.
His life was cut short by a complete stranger.
“It was literally them walking up and saying, what’s happening as the fight was already going on. That's when the person went to get the gun, and when Ry'Yon was shot,” explained Rickard.
Diggs was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. His friend Chrisopher Johnson was physically assaulted but released.
Right now Columbus police are looking for 19-year-old Jaquan Curry. They say he was the gunman.
“I have faith in our justice system, that they will do the right thing. I hope they find this individual”, said Rickard.
As the wheels of justice turn slowly, Diggs’ friends vow to cherish the lives and hearts he touched with every turn on the stage.
“I like to think that I’m a forgiving person and understanding, but right now – it’s even hard to understand the why someone so innocent, that did not deserve it at all”, explained Rickard.