The Niagara Falls community is grieving the sudden passing of 14-year-old Vincent Samuel Caskinett, a ninth-grade student at Niagara Falls High School. Known by friends and family as “Vinnie” or “Chenzo,” he tragically passed away on March 23rd, 2025, at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston.
Born on July 23rd, 2010, Vinnie was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls and was cherished by those who knew him. He had a deep love for football, especially the Detroit Lions, and enjoyed playing basketball, drawing, and playing video games.
Those that knew him best pointed out the pride he took in his clothing and personal style, highlighting his passion for fashion.
Vinnie is survived by his parents, William Caskinett II, Stephanie Fancher, and step-father James Fancheras, as well as his siblings William, Cameron, and Lily. He also leaves behind loving grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who will forever cherish his memory.
One fellow student, Nathan, shared the following about him: "Vinnie and I were never close friends, but I always remember during the school days where he’d always be the funniest kid in class and I’d look forward to hearing him make whatever dumb jokes he’d make and laugh with him. He always knew how to light up a room and make it glow. Such an amazing, kind, genuine soul. Wherever he may be, I hope he is happy."
Another student in his class echoed those sentiments, saying how Vinnie always wanted to "put a smile on your face."
Cameron shared his love for his brother: "Vinnie was my built in best friend - even when we hated each other we still loved each other. Vinnie has always been my biggest supporter. He always knew what to do when I was lost. I don’t know what I'm gonna do to figure life out without his advice. I will always love you. You’ll forever be my baby."
Jayden wrote the following message for his friend: "Vinnie was one of my best friends. He was always there to crack a joke. He was always there to lift me up when I was upset. One really good memory I have with vinnie was when we had a big sleepover at my house for the first time in 7th grade and we made a huge fort on my trampoline. In the middle of the night it started raining and we had to wake vinnie up. When he finally woke up he started saying a bunch of random things and then asked us 'why don’t we just go leave now' and we just thought it was the funniest thing ever because the next morning he recalled himself just waking up and going back to bed inside and completely denying what he said. Miss you Vinnie I hope you're watching from up there."
Skyla wrote about her lifetime friendship: "Vinnie is what I will forever consider a true friendship, a best friend, and someone to cheer you up and help you when you need it. Vinnie and I met in elementary school and he was one of the best people I knew. We’d always walk home and laugh until we departed, our moments are now many of the best memories I have. Vinnie was my best friend and in my heart he’ll always hold that marker, never in a million years would I expect to be without him. Vinnie was someone that could always brighten a persons mood with one of his smiles. I honestly don’t know what to do without you here. I will miss you everyday Vinny winny, I love you."
As the Niagara Falls High School community comes together to remember Vinnie, his kindness, enthusiasm, and spirit will never be forgotten.
Niagara Falls High School Mourns Death of 14-year-old Student