JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A local celebrity chef known for advocating for victims of gun violence says that a woman found dead under a bridge on Blanding Boulevard Sunday evening is the mother of his son.
Derrius Hall, head chef of Elevation Lounge & founder of nonprofit Duval Chefs Helping Hands, said he has a teenage son with Tiffany Felton, who was identified by family members as the 35-year-old woman found Sunday.
“I wake up to a call like my son’s mom may be gone. I’m like, that can’t be right,” Hall said.
Their son will graduate high school in May 2026, making him Felton’s last child to cross the stage. She also has two daughters.
Hall said their last conversation was about their son’s senior year expenses.
“They really love her,” he said, talking about her children. “This is going to be a great big task for them to get past because they look forward to seeing her and hearing from her every day.”
Hall also said Felton recently launched a business called 904 Fizz.
Police said that officers were flagged down around 6:30 p.m. Sunday by a civilian who was fishing and saw Felton’s body under the bridge.
The circumstances surrounding Felton’s death are still under investigation, but police are considering it a homicide. They did not share whether she had any visible injuries.
News4JAX has asked for updates from law enforcement about Felton’s case, but they said there is no new information they can release at this time.
In a message to News4JAX, Hall said he’s provided more than 50 free repast meals for victims of violence in Jacksonville, and now his son’s mom was a victim of violence.
“I want this city to advocate and fight for her like I fight and stand in the paint for this city,” Hall wrote.
As news spread of Felton’s death, tributes began pouring out on social media — including posts from members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, a union Felton had joined earlier this year.
Local 177 member Nate Johnson, who recruited Felton, said she quickly made her mark — and her loss is being felt across the union.
“It’s hurtful. I mean, this is a tragic loss,” Johnson said. “Never in one million years would I expect to get that message early in the morning. That was not the message I expected. It’s a void. She’s the person that can’t be replaced when it comes down to this.”
According to a Facebook post, Felton “was so proud to be a part of the union,” adding “this one hurts deeply.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office by phone at 904-630-0500, by email at jsocrimetips@jaxsheriiff.org or via Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS.