Netizens have weighed in on the fatal stabbing of a paramedic, who was honored with heartfelt tributes by the Kansas City Fire Department and a friend.
Kansas City is grieving the heartbreaking loss of Firefighter Paramedic Graham Hoffman, who tragically passed away following a critical injury sustained during a medical emergency early Sunday morning, April 27, 2025. He was 29 years old.
While transporting a patient to a local hospital on what began as a routine call from law enforcement, Hoffman was stabbed in the chest, fatally wounding his heart. His partner swiftly called for an emergency response, prompting additional Kansas City Fire Department (KCFD) and Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) units to rush to the scene.
Despite heroic efforts by his fellow firefighters, paramedics, and the medical team at North Kansas City Hospital, Hoffman succumbed to his injuries in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after undergoing emergency surgery.
Hoffman had been a proud member of the KCFD since 2022 and was known for his courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication to serving the community.
Mayor Quinton Lucas expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating, “I am heartbroken by the passing of Firefighter Paramedic Graham Hoffman. After praying for his recovery this morning with his family and colleagues, I join all Kansas Citians in mourning the loss of a heroic public servant.”
The mayor emphasized the city’s support for Hoffman’s family, friends, and fellow KCFD members, acknowledging that while words cannot erase their grief, Kansas City stands united in their sorrow.
He also condemned the senseless act that led to Hoffman’s death and confirmed that the suspect, Shanetta Bossell, is currently in custody. Her charges span first-degree murder and assaulting an officer.
KCFD has requested privacy for Hoffman’s family during this difficult time. The department is also providing grief counseling services for its members. Upon learning about the tragedy, netizens flocked to social media to react to the news.
“as [sic] an EMS provider, this is why it’s important to make sure our patients don’t have weapons before coming in the ambulance,” remarked someone on TikTok. Another penned, “GRAHAM HOFFMAN!!! WE will never forget you. We demand justice!!! I’m so sorry this happened to him. 🥺.”
Adding to the online discussion, someone else expressed, “This is so wrong. How did this even happen? Was she not frisked before being put in the ambulance? Oh [sic] my heart goes out to his family. To have lost someone so young in such an evil way. Prayers.”
“this [sic] is why I think paramedics need as much protection as police officers,” added a fellow spectator. More details on the story will follow shortly.
