Cori Diverrs, the Beloved Father, Brother, and Community Member, and the Unnamed Courageous Patron Whose Lives Were Forever Altered by a Violent Act at Players Family Billiards in Whitehall, Remembered in an Outpouring of Grief, Shock, and Community Resilience
WHITEHALL, OH — A community that often found comfort in laughter, competition, and camaraderie at the local Players Family Billiards hall is now grappling with silence, sorrow, and deep unrest. The Friday night energy at the East Main Street venue turned into a nightmarish scene of panic and heartbreak as an act of violence unfolded, leaving 35-year-old Cori Diverrs fatally injured and another unnamed patron severely wounded. The incident, which took place at approximately 11:50 p.m. on June 6, 2025, has sent ripples of grief across the close-knit community of Whitehall, where Cori Diverrs was known not for how his life ended, but for the fullness with which he lived it.
The Night That Shattered Routine
What began as an ordinary Friday night gathering at Players Family Billiards — a place where families, friends, and local leagues often came together to unwind over pool games, music, and conversation — quickly escalated into tragedy. Multiple 911 calls flooded emergency dispatch lines, describing gunshots and chaotic scenes as patrons fled the premises in terror.
When officers from the Whitehall Division of Police arrived at the location, they encountered a chaotic yet eerily still atmosphere inside the establishment. There, amid upturned chairs and stunned witnesses, they found Cori Diverrs unresponsive, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Another individual — described only as a middle-aged man with a protective instinct — had also been injured during the incident while attempting to intervene.
Officers immediately initiated life-preserving measures on Cori, performing chest compressions and applying trauma dressings as paramedics rushed to the scene. Despite these efforts, Cori succumbed to his injuries after being transported to Mount Carmel East Hospital. The second man remains hospitalized, his condition listed as critical but stable as of Saturday morning.
Remembering Cori Diverrs: A Life Defined by Loyalty, Leadership, and Love
Born and raised on the East Side of Columbus and a longtime Whitehall resident, Cori Diverrs was a familiar and admired face in many local circles. Known for his unwavering devotion to his family, strong work ethic, and a magnetic personality that drew people in, Cori leaves behind a grieving mother, three siblings, two young daughters aged 6 and 11, and countless friends whose lives he shaped through his authenticity and kindness.
Cori was a father in every sense of the word—deeply involved, present, and passionate about raising his daughters with a sense of discipline and love. Whether attending dance recitals, coaching youth basketball at the YMCA, or helping with homework after long shifts at his job in logistics, he lived with a singular focus: creating a better world for his girls. “They were his heartbeat,” said childhood friend and co-worker Jamal Reyes. “Everything Cori did, every decision he made, came back to them. He was building a future.”
He also volunteered with at-risk youth through a local mentorship program, often using his own life as an example of what perseverance and personal growth could achieve. “He didn’t pretend to be perfect,” said Ms. Latoria Green, director of Youth Up, the nonprofit where Cori mentored. “He told his story with honesty so others wouldn’t have to repeat the mistakes he learned from.”
The Man Behind the Smile: A Friend, a Brother, a Role Model
For many, Cori was more than just a family man—he was a calming presence, a mediator during conflict, and someone who radiated a quiet kind of leadership. Known for his patience and sense of humor, he had the rare ability to bring people together, whether around a pool table, a grill in the backyard, or during heated debates over sports and politics.
“Cori was the kind of guy who remembered your birthday even if you hadn’t talked in a year,” said Marcus Trent, a friend of over two decades. “He wasn’t loud or flashy, but he was there. You knew he had your back. That meant everything.”
In the workplace, Cori had recently been promoted to shift supervisor at an Eastside distribution center. Colleagues describe him as a reliable team leader who wasn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves and work alongside his crew. “He believed in earning respect, not demanding it,” said his manager, Brian Caldwell.
A Legacy Interrupted by Violence
The violent events of June 6 have not only cut short the life of a man who embodied resilience and hope but also shaken a community already fatigued by escalating incidents of gun violence. The second individual injured during the event — described by witnesses as someone who tried to deescalate the situation and protect others — remains unnamed but is being hailed as courageous and selfless. This individual is said to be a regular at the billiards hall, known for his protective demeanor and willingness to step into volatile situations to prevent harm.
Whitehall Police Chief Christopher Warren addressed the community during a press briefing Saturday morning, expressing grief and determination. “We have lost a vital member of our community. Cori Diverrs’ life mattered. Our commitment now is to ensure justice is served swiftly and that the safety of our neighborhoods remains a top priority.”
Police have confirmed they are following strong leads regarding the identity of the suspect, who fled the scene on foot. Surveillance footage is being analyzed, and investigators have requested assistance from the public in identifying individuals seen near the location around the time of the shooting.
Community Response: From Grief to Action
Since the incident, an outpouring of grief and solidarity has emerged across Whitehall and surrounding communities. A makeshift memorial of flowers, candles, and hand-written notes now decorates the sidewalk in front of Players Family Billiards, transforming a site of tragedy into one of reflection and unity.
A GoFundMe page established by Cori’s family to assist with funeral costs and provide financial support for his daughters reached over $40,000 in donations within 24 hours, drawing contributions from across the state.
On Sunday, hundreds gathered at Whitehall Community Park for a vigil in Cori’s memory. Speakers included local pastors, youth leaders, family members, and city council representatives. One after another, they spoke not only of loss, but of hope, responsibility, and the urgency of confronting the roots of violence.
“We cannot let Cori’s name be another headline that fades,” said Reverend Malcolm Hayes of East End Missionary Baptist Church. “We owe it to him and to all those like him — fathers, sons, protectors — to create a safer future where conflict is not resolved with bullets.”
A Future Built on His Legacy
In response to the tragedy, the City of Whitehall has announced a new community initiative: The Cori Diverrs Youth Empowerment Project. In partnership with local nonprofits, schools, and businesses, the program will focus on providing mentorship, job training, and safe recreational spaces for teenagers and young adults.
Cori’s sister, Denisha Diverrs, who will oversee a committee for the project, expressed a mix of pain and pride. “If even one young person finds purpose instead of pain, community instead of isolation—then my brother’s name will continue to live.”
Final Moments, Eternal Impact
Though the final moments of Cori Diverrs’ life were spent amid chaos, those who knew him prefer to remember the fullness of his journey—the laughter he shared, the love he gave, the stability he provided, and the legacy he leaves. His daughters will grow up hearing not only of their father’s tragic passing but of the giant of a man he was—soft-spoken, steadfast, and strong.
He is survived by his two children, his mother Loraine Diverrs, his siblings Denisha, Carl, and Marcus, and a wide web of extended family and lifelong friends.
His funeral, scheduled for June 14 at Rising Hope Baptist Church, is expected to draw hundreds, with community leaders planning to honor him not just with words, but with action. “Cori was the best of us,” said Mayor James Riley. “It is our job now to make sure his life inspires the betterment of everyone left behind.”
Cori Diverrs, the 35-year-old father, mentor, and beloved community figure, may no longer walk the streets of Whitehall, but his life continues to shape the hearts and minds of all who knew him. The unnamed courageous individual injured while attempting to shield others remains a testament to the bravery that lives in ordinary people. Together, they remind us of what is at stake in our communities—and what is possible when we choose to honor life, rather than diminish it.
