John Christopher-Clark Hays-Clark

John Christopher Hays-Clark, known to his loved ones as Chris, was a lifelong Austin resident with a genuine soul who found happiness in all of his life's journeys. Born on November 23, 1992, Chris was remembered for his vibrant personality and, most of all, his sense of humor. His family recalled his uncanny ability to crack a joke in any situation, ensuring everyone around him left with a smile. He was a graduate of Austin Can Academy and his youth was filled with outdoor activities like Boy Scouts, canoeing, and sports. He was a devoted fan of the Nebraska University Cornhuskers, the Chicago Bears, and the Miami Heat, sticking by his teams win or lose. Chris worked various jobs, including for Austin Parks & Recreation and America's Auto Auction, and was most recently employed at KFC. Above all, he was a loving father to his son, LaShawn Aparicio-Clark, born in 2011. Although Chris and the boy’s mother, Reegan Aparicio, were no longer a couple, they remained close friends, committed to showering their son with everlasting love.

The life full of fun and laughter that Chris created came to a sudden end in the spring of 2023. On the afternoon of Saturday, April 15, multiple 911 callers reported seeing a body in Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas. Around 1:20 p.m., Austin Police Department officers and emergency crews responded to the scene in the 2700 block of Canterbury Street, near the Longhorn Dam at the eastern end of the lake. First responders performed a water rescue and retrieved the body of the 30-year-old Black man. He was pronounced deceased at the scene and was soon identified as John Christopher Hays-Clark.

His death immediately drew widespread attention and concern, as he was the fourth man whose body had been recovered from the lake in just over two months. The string of deaths—following those of Jason John, an unidentified man, and Jonathan Honey—fueled intense public speculation and fear of a potential serial killer, sometimes dubbed the "Rainey Street Ripper" on social media. This theory gained traction because some of the other men had last been seen in the Rainey Street entertainment district, a popular nightlife area not far from the lake.

Despite the rampant online rumors and a Facebook group dedicated to the theory that grew to over 70,000 members, the Austin Police Department stated from the beginning that they did not suspect foul play in Hays-Clark's death. "Our initial information doesn’t show anything suspicious," Officer Michael Bullock said at a press conference, though he noted the final determination would rest with the medical examiner's review. Police pointed out that Hays-Clark's body was found on the east side of the lake, away from the Rainey Street area where the other recent victims were discovered. Authorities stated that in the other cases, there was no evidence of foul play or trauma, suggesting a "combination of alcohol and easy access to Lady Bird Lake" as a common theme.

The investigation into John Christopher Hays-Clark's death was handled by the Austin Police Department's homicide unit. Investigators did not know how long his body had been in the water before it was discovered. As of February 2024, his partner, Reegan Aparicio, appeared on the news to discuss the case, seeking answers amid the ongoing public speculation. The official cause of death has not been publicly released pending the final report from the medical examiner.

The series of deaths prompted city officials to take action to improve safety around the lake. Measures included installing temporary fencing and new lighting along the trail and increasing the presence of Park Rangers. The Austin City Council also approved a resolution to explore a broader safety plan, including the installation of Halo cameras and working with local bars to prevent over-serving patrons. For the family and friends shocked by Chris's sudden passing, these measures came too late. They were left to cherish the memory of a man who relished making life full of fun and laughter. His case remains under investigation by the Austin Police Department.