Belleville East student, Muny performer remembered for ‘contagious energy’

Jarod Rhodes, a 15-year-old Belleville East High School student, was set to have an outstanding summer.

He was just cast in the two of The Muny’s summer shows and made it into the competitive Muny Teens Performance Troupe, said Tali Allen, director of education at The Muny. It’s news she never got to deliver to the local musical theater star, though; Jarod died unexpectedly Friday.

“His hard work paid off, and I’m incredibly proud of him,” Allen said.

Police were dispatched to the family home in the 2700 block of Brookmeadow Drive in Belleville at 7:35 p.m. on the report that someone had been shot. Jarod was found in the garage and later pronounced dead of a gunshot wound.

Shaunte Rhodes, Jarod’s mother, said her son’s death was a tragic accident. Investigators agreed.

Rhodes said her son was pretty much always in a production since he first stepped on the stage when he was 3. Allen said if there was a performing opportunity, Jarod jumped at the chance.

Over the years, Jarod honed his skills at St. Louis’ Center of Creative Arts (COCA) and its Allegro Vocal Company. Jarod was one of 31 children in the 2024 Muny Kids Performance Troupe, which Allen said each year has between 200 and 400 kids audition. He appeared in The Muny’s productions of “Les Misérables,” Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” “Come From Away” and Disney’s “Frozen.”

Shaunte said Jarod also participated in Belleville East choirs, including its Concert Choir and EastEnders! Vocal Jazz Ensemble. He was a staple for many years at Union Station’s Polar Express experience, interacting with young kids in character. Around 2021, Jarod worked with Broadway actors in Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’ “A Christmas Carol,” his mom said, which she believed sparked his interest in pursuing a career in musical theater.

“I believe it was truly what he was born to do,” Allen said, a sentiment she and Shaunte share.

This is just a portion of Jarod’s performing arts resume, Shaunte said. On top of rehearsals, auditions and classes, Jarod also was an active member of Faith Baptist Church and served in its Junior Church program.

“He was involved in so many things, so there are so many lives he touched,” Allen said.

Shaunte said she’s seen this first hand in the wake of her son’s death. So many people, from theater to school, have reached out to praise Jarod. He’s widely remembered for being a bright light, genuine and positive, with infectious energy, Shaunte said.

“The Jarod I knew is the same Jarod everyone knew,” Shaunte said. “He went out into the world and was a blessing.”

Kameron Henry met Jarod through theater a few years ago and the two became best friends. Henry said Jarod loved everybody – and that’s something Jarod didn’t have to say to make known.

“It was a happy time when all of us hung out,” Henry said, recalling how funny Jarod was. He said Jarod would talk to anyone about anything, and was always the first to make sure someone felt like they belonged.

Jarod’s younger sister Jannah, 14, said he would come home singing, screaming and dancing. The two spent a lot of time together and were often confused as siblings. He inspired Jannah and their younger sister, Joy, 10, to both become Muny Kids themselves, Shaunte said.

As goofy as Jarod was, he was also serious and mature, Henry said. He took on a protective, almost big-brother-like role among his friends.

Jarod pushed Henry and his other friends to be the best performers they could, watching his friends run through skills over and over until they perfected them, Henry said. Yet, Allen said, Jarod was humble and wasn’t afraid to ask for help. He was always respectful and never let his ego get in the way, she said.

“I think Jarod would want people to remember him for his contagious energy,” Shaunte said.

A group of Belleville East students are planning a balloon release at 5:30 p.m. Friday, March 6, at the high school in honor of Jarod. Community members are also encouraged to wear red, Jarod’s favorite color, to the balloon release and on Monday, March 9.

This story was originally published March 3, 2026 at 12:39 PM.