Community Rallies for OHS Graduate After Tragic Loss

By Alyssa Schnugg
News Editor
alyssa.schnugg@hottytoddy.com

DeChristian Cummings and his mother Tanya Mathis. Photo from GoFundMe. 

The Oxford community is reaching out to one of its own to help former Oxford High School football player DeChristian “DC” Cummings after he tragically lost his parents last week.

According to the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department, on March 18, Tanya Denise Mathis, 42, and Anthony Patrick Hampton, 43, were found dead by Lafayette County Sheriff’s deputies who were responding to a domestic disturbance call that ended in what’s being called a murder-suicide.

The couple’s son, Cummings, graduated from OHS last year and is currently enrolled at Northwest Mississippi Community College.

Within days, friends and family gathered to discuss ways to help Cummings continue his education by providing financial support for the former Charger.

A GoFundMe account has been set up by OSD teacher Angie Wilfawn. It has garnered almost $6,000 as of Tuesday morning.

On Monday, Cups of Oxford donated all of its sales to Cummings. Lines formed out the door throughout the day with people wanting to give their support. 

Despite the tragedy, Cummings said the response of the Oxford, Lafayette and University communities has lifted his spirits.

“It’s a blessing,” he said of the community’s support. “I want to thank God for leading the way. There’s always a good end to a bad story and I just want to thank the community for all they have done for me and my family.”

Mathis also leaves behind an adult daughter, Daquosha Moody.

The funeral service for Tanya Mathis, a social worker at Mary Cathey Head Start will be at 1 p.m. at Clear Creek Missionary Baptist Church. Burial will follow at the Garden of Memories Cemetery at The Orchard church.

Hampton’s service was held on March 24.

To make a donation, visit https://www.gofundme.com/livingcollege-for-dc-after-loss-of-parents.