Family mourns man killed in 18th & Vine mass shooting in KC: ‘Senseless tragedy’
Family members of David Beck, the man killed in a mass shooting in Kansas City’s 18th & Vine District on Friday evening, said his death was a “senseless act of gun violence.”
David Eugene Beck III, 29, was fatally shot, and five others were injured in what police described as a shootout involving multiple people near East 19th Street and Vine Street around 10:30 p.m. Friday.
Ashley Beck, whose husband Steven Beck, was David Beck’s cousin, wrote to The Star in an email that the slain man was a “gentle giant” who was loved by family. He loved the Kansas City Chiefs, was dedicated at work, surrounded himself with family and found joy in video games, she said.
“David was a sweet, loving, hard-working young man,” she said. “His life was filled with many family members who he loved unconditionally and who loved him immensely.”
Officer Alayna Gonzalez, a spokesperson for the Kansas City Police Department, said in an email that the department did not have any updates to share. Police also did not provide updated conditions for the five other victims who were also shot. Their injuries ranged from non-life-threatening to critical Friday night, police said.
‘Hearts are broken’
Family members of David Beck established a GoFundMe page Sunday, saying they had experienced an “unimaginable tragedy.”
“At just 29 years old, David had so much life ahead of him,” the page said. “He was a loving son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend whose kindness, laughter, and generous heart touched everyone who knew him.”
The page said Beck had worked as warehouse forklift driver for the roofing company QXO and said he was known as a dedicated and dependable employee.
“His smile would light up any room he entered,” the page said.
“Our hearts are broken by this senseless tragedy, but we are committed to honoring David’s memory by celebrating the love, compassion, and joy he brought to so many lives,” the page said. “Though he was taken from us far too soon, his spirit will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him.”
A memorial vigil is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the shooting site, near the intersection of 19th and Vine streets.
