Orlando, FL — The University of Central Florida (UCF) community is in mourning after students and faculty shared on social media the passing of Carter Robert Jenson, a computer science and cybersecurity major known for his enthusiasm, technical talent, and warm presence. The announcement, first posted on Facebook by friends, has drawn an outpouring of condolences and reflections from across campus and beyond.
A brief life with notable impact
According to published obituaries, Jenson was born on April 29, 2003, and passed away on January 12, 2023, at just 19 years old. He was a graduate of Hagerty High School in Oviedo, Florida, and had been enrolled at UCF majoring in Information Technology with an emphasis in cybersecurity. During his time at UCF, he contributed to the Athletics Department, filming sporting events, and earned a scholarship role within the video team for the UCF Knights football program.
Friends describe Carter as “smart, funny, adventurous, and caring,” a student who pursued not just academic success but also connection and service. One peer recalled, “Carter always helped others debug code or stay up for late-night project work — he lit up when someone finally got it.” While there is no official statement confirming the cause of death, his family has asked people to contribute to a fundraising initiative in his memory, such as donations toward a track fund at his former high school.
Reactions from campus and beyond
On UCF’s student groups and local media forums, countless students offered condolences. Many noted how rare it is for someone in a technical field to also be remembered primarily for kindness and supportiveness. One post read, “He made code less intimidating — and life more human.”
The timing of the announcement has struck a chord: many at UCF are preparing midterms, internships, or summer plans, and in the face of sudden loss, the fragility of life feels startlingly immediate. For those who knew Carter from the video team, his absence is felt not just socially, but in the spaces he helped bring to life — games, broadcasts, productions.
Why this story matters
While every student’s life carries its own quiet significance, Carter’s story resonates on several levels. First, it reminds us of the human behind university profiles: the late-night coder, the teammate, the friend. Second, in a field like cybersecurity — often seen as cerebral and impersonal — Carter’s warmth offered a more holistic counterweight. Third, on a campus as large and diverse as UCF (one of the largest universities in the U.S.), losses like this test the networks of care: how do institutions and student communities respond when grief touches someone who may not have been a public face?
In recent years, universities have increased attention to student mental health, wellness, and emergency response systems. Carter’s passing reinforces the ongoing need for such supports, especially for students immersed in high-pressure disciplines. As the campus awaits more information from his family and any memorial plans, many students have rallied to share memories, snapshots, and stories — building collective support in a time of uncertainty.
To anyone who knew Carter — in class, in the video lab, or on a weekend adventure — your reflections help preserve the fuller picture of a life that, though brief, clearly touched many.
