Tim Schmidt Jr.
Biography of Timothy Schmidt Jr.
Timothy Schmidt Jr., affectionately known as “Timo” by those closest to him, was a bright, ambitious young man whose life was tragically cut short at the age of 19.
Born on September 9, 2005, and raised in Weston, Florida, Timothy graduated from Cypress Bay High School, where he cultivated a deep passion for soccer while always having his mind on entrepreneurship whenever he wasn’t on the field. His leadership and talent led him to play for top local clubs including Weston Select, Plantation FC, and Weston FC, earning him the admiration of teammates, parents, and coaches alike.
When he wasn’t playing or training, he was always laser-focused on making money. From a young age he helped in customer service for his father’s company, organizing boxes and helping with inventory. He later realized how to outsource this and share the revenue with his cousins in what he deemed “working smarter, not harder.” He was only 8 years old at the time.
In later years, he made soccer highlight tapes for his friends and teammates for $20 each so they could showcase their talents online and send them to college coaches. Many of them moved on to play in various college levels, and some are even playing professionally. He also worked as a soccer referee with his best friends throughout high school, often traveling the state and staying in hotels for a weekend to help with the growing need for quality officials. He also worked as a bar back at Weston’s neighborhood bar, the one he grew up in where everyone looked after him – Smoke on the Water. He left a lasting impact with the management, employees, customers, and vendors in his years of working there.
Timothy was a freshman at the University of Central Florida (UCF), where he had just begun forging new academic and social paths. Known for his sharp wit, kind heart, and magnetic personality, he quickly made an impression on fellow students, fraternity brothers at Alpha Epsilon Pi, and the broader campus community.
On November 1, 2024, during Halloween celebrations in downtown Orlando, Timothy’s life was tragically taken in a mass shooting that shocked the local and national community. The senseless violence claimed his life and left several others injured. His death was mourned by countless friends, family members, and peers who remembered him for his warmth, loyalty, and spirit.
Timothy Schmidt Jr. is survived by his loving family, including his father, Timothy Schmidt Sr., who described him as his “mini me and best friend.” He made him this video for his 18th birthday.
In the wake of his passing, the outpouring of support was immense—memorial events, tributes, and a GoFundMe campaign organized by his fraternity show how many lives he touched.
He was such a driven, hard-working individual. His personal statement on his NCAA Sports soccer recruiting profile shows his drive and determination to excel in life:
Until Forever keeps his spirit alive by touching lives of people who need support.