I was Ket’s English teacher when he first came to Davidson Elementary.  I am shedding many tears as just this morning I came across this sad turn of events. I am so very sorry. His beautiful soul will not be forgotten.  My prayers will be with your family.  

I taught Ket in math at LKNC. Many tears were shed for this sweet young man. Praying for your family.

Sorry to post so late, but I just found this (I had been searching Bereket for the last week instead of Ket).  I’ll just say Ket was one of the most universally liked kids I’ve ever been around.  I’ve been nodding my head at everything people have written here.  I was lucky to be able to spend a lot of time with Ket at DES (he’s a TOTP legend!) and then on his “out west” trip after 5th grade.   Ket’s smile and kindness made a mark an many people!

Matt and Family - so sorry to hear of the devastating loss of your son, Matt spoke of Ket several times, Please accept my deepest sympathies and condolence on your loss. 

Jeff White

I’m so sorry and I hope that your family heals. I know it’s hard to lose someone and I cannot imagine how heavy your hearts are. I hope you will cherish the memories you made with him and keep them In your hearts. I’m thankful to your family because you all let me get to know Ket and spend time with him. I would not change having met him. Although I only knew him four years of his life, when we spoke, it felt like he was a friend of 100 years. Ket’s laugh was music to everyone ears and he was so amazing. Some of my best memories are with Ket and I will keep those with me forever. Thank you for supporting and loving him always. Thank you for letting me get to know someone who will always remain in my heart as one of my best friends.  I know we all miss Ket as well. I hope you all heal and I’m sending you lots of love.  

Ket seemed like an incredible young man. We cannot begin to imagine your grief and words are inadequate to ease your pain at this unimaginable time. Our son graduated with Marah and we always enjoy our chats with sweet Marah when we go to Mandalinos.  We will continue to pray for your family.  

Words have not seemed adequate to fully describe Ket - to capture what it was like to know him and be around him. Ket was a joy to be around because he brought joy with him, his contagious smile would light up any room and make you temporarily forget whatever trouble might be on your mind. He had a childlike enthusiasm for life and anything new, unless it had to do with goats, he did not like goats, especially goat cheese. :) His genuineness was like none I had ever seen in a person and the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control were so evident in his life, yet he displayed them with humility. He had such a caring, loving, and joyful spirit, I do not think I will ever again meet a person as genuine and with such a purity about him as I saw in Ket. We are so thankful to have been a part of his life and we miss him tremendously. Thank you for allowing us to have the privilege to know him and for giving him such a wonderful life. I know how much it hurts us that he is gone, and I cannot imagine what your family must be going through. Please know that I am praying for all of you, that you will find God’s comfort and peace in the midst of your tears, and you will feel God’s presence as he carries you through this. We long for the day when we can see Ket again.

It has been more than a pleasure to have been Ket's homeroom teacher at Hough since he first arrived as a freshman. Ket was typically a quiet, but bright presence in our room with his welcoming smile that often was the only one in C202. During our difficult year+ of online learning, Ket continued to reach out online and showed interest in staying connected to his peers in homeroom. The two of us enjoyed some wonderful conversations and getting to know each other through zoom. I watched him grow and mature as he took his classes very seriously, as well as his commitment to Hough JROTC. At the beginning of this school year, Ket was very quick to realize and vocalize that he had made it to Senior year and fist bumped with many in our group as they rejoiced together. We will miss our dear friend, especially at graduation. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.                                                        Love to you all, Ms. H & Ket's Homeroom

When I think of Ket I see his easy, endearing smile, his willingness to help others out no matter how hard the task (or icky the chore), his kindness and compassion towards people and animals alike. His fierce determination to give it his best shot, yet do it with humility. 

We shared a love of exercise so during my visits I could always count on him to be my workout or running buddy… And do it all with a smile on his face!

Ket, you made your world a better place. May we remember the lessons you taught us: share kindness; share goodness; share compassion; and share love - it all starts with a smile.

May you find the peace and comfort you so longed for in Jesus’ embrace. I love you and miss you, sweet Ket.

6th Grade Dance

Words seem inadequate to express how deeply saddened I feel for the loss of such an amazing young man. To the Barrington family I want to give you my deepest, heartfelt condolences.  I was Ket’s music teacher at Davidson 3-5 grade. My son was a classmate of Mara’s and I fondly remember her excitement that spilled over to her classmates when she shared with them that she was “getting” a brother! Ket was a wonderful student. He radiated kindness, sweetness, humbleness, and a smile that would light up the room! He was a hard worker, musically talented, very athletic, and such a joy to be around. I had not seen him much after he went to middle school. Our paths crossed again at Hough. I would not have recognized him if I had not seen his nameplate on his JROTC uniform and that endearing smile! I spoke with him last spring in the Media Center. We chatted about when he learned to play the recorder in elementary school, JROTC, how Mara was doing in college, how his classes were going now that we were back in-person, etc. He was the same friendly Ket he had always been and took the time to talk with me. I always loved seeing former students and catching up with them in high school. I would never had known behind that smile that he was dealing with inner struggles. My heart breaks for his friends and family. May God give you all peace and comfort and may Ket know how much he was loved and what a positive influence he was in so many in his young life. 

Respectfully, 

Denise Mayes 

Dear Barringtons,

Our family has since moved from NC and we are now in Texas. But my children are in mourning at this time for their dear friend. When Ket used to go to the old Lake Norman, he used to play basketball with my boys: Aqil, Moses and Rafiq Oborne. They have the most sweetest memories and had shared some really good times with Ket. Aqil says that he was always so willing and ready to just play basketball with them after school. And  that he was so very kind. They all said that his Defense skills were insane! We will all miss Ket so very much! We are so sorrowful that we moved and cannot be there this evening to pay our final respects to Ket. Aqil is struggling because he recalls of him and Ket last speaking about a month ago. If there is any way that the Memorial is recorded, would you please consider sharing it with my boys via email?   We are here for you all whenever you need our family! We loved your son so very much and love your family as well! Our heartfelt sincere condolences to you all! 

The Oborne Family                                                  (Brian and Neferu - Aqil, Moses and Rafiq) 

n.bey1978@gmail.com

Dear Barrington family,

Our hearts are grieving with you. 

John, Kristin & Sebastian Gilkes

Ket would make me a quesadilla anytime I was hungry . I will miss that.

Probably 8 years ago Matt helped install a zip line in our back yard and Ket being the young adventurous one volunteered to be the first to try it.  We cheered him on.   It was dark and apparently we had not tucked all of the wiring in so as Ket got to the end his head ran into something which caused a huge bump on his forehead.  He iced his head while we watched OSU football and ate Buckeyes, being thankful he was not hurt any worse.  Ket being a good trooper never complained about the zip line injury.  

Ket is a blessing to our family.  We love Ket and have a lot of great memories spending time playing games, running (he pushed me to run further), many meals, beach trips and Christmas gift exchanges.  

We love and miss you Ket!  

We love and are praying for you Barrington family!  

Such a great trip with so many sweet memories ❤️

Ket we miss you and love you! Your smile - wow it was the best and made those around you feel so welcomed and loved.  First week Ket was here the girls and I were so excited to meet him - the only southern thing to do was to bring him Chick fil a - I am not sure if he even liked it- though I know he didn't like the ice in his drink -  he just smiled.  He was always willing to play with the girls - and the games they would come up with.  Ket had a competitive side - and would not back down when Andy wanted to go for a run with Ket -they ended up running 8 + miles. The most fun was watching you get into games that you loved to play - best one The Resistance and Marbles!  We love you Ket and will miss you! Andy, Lois, Madalyn and Meredith