JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In the wake of a tragic incident, friends of Antoine Autry, a 22-year-old contractor, are expressing their sorrow after his untimely death on his first day at the Anheuser-Busch brewery located on Jacksonville’s Northside.

Authorities have detained 38-year-old Jason Guthrie, who was also new to the job, in connection with the stabbing that occurred on October 30. According to police reports, Guthrie allegedly stabbed Autry in the chest and attempted to escape, but was eventually discovered hiding within the premises. Eyewitnesses report that the attack was unprovoked, with Autry’s cries piercing the air.

Zyimani Wise, one of Autry’s closest friends, is mourning the loss while cherishing their shared memories. Wise paints a picture of Autry as a man full of life, warmth, and an unforgettable wit.

She reminisces about their childhood days at Mayport Middle School, highlighting his ability to light up a room with laughter and leave an indelible mark on everyone he encountered.

“I just began to cry so hard, so loud,” she said. “I just couldn’t believe that my friend was gone. It didn’t make any sense to me.”

She added Autry was her 26th friend lost to violence.

“I don’t know what funeral to go to a lot of times, being that they passed away so quickly, and it hurts my feelings because we’re so young, and I wish that my friend was here,” Wise said.

Investigators say Guthrie claims to suffer from PTSD and schizophrenia and insists he does not remember the incident, stating he had a good day at work.

Guthrie is currently charged with second-degree murder. His next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 20 at 9 a.m.

Wise said the tragedy should never have happened.

“I wish that you would have gotten to know him because maybe he could’ve turned your day around by making you laugh,” she said.

Clutching to memories and videos she captured over the years, Wise emphasized remembering the good times.

“I was almost like the cameraman in school, so I took a lot of videos of memories that we all shared,” she said. “I miss you Antoine. You are my brother and I don’t want you to ever forget that. I miss you so much.”

The family is currently working on funeral arrangements. A GoFundMe has been created to help with expenses.