Kansas City Firefighter dies after being stabbed by patient during hospital transport
Paramedic Graham Hoffman of the Kansas City Fire Department was tragically stabbed to death by his patient, Shanetta Bossell, while en route to the hospital.
It was a normally quiet Sunday morning on April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri, when Graham Hoffman, a paramedic with the Kansas City Fire Department (KCFD), received a routine emergency call from police. Hoffman, a 2022 recruit to the department, climbed into his ambulance with his partner, Shanetta Bossell, in the back of the car on the way to the hospital.
According to local news, Hoffman was assaulted by Bossell, who repeatedly stabbed him in the chest, mortally wounding him. Hoffman's partner was presented during the attack and promptly administrated first aid as police units answered and sped Hoffman to North Kansas City Hospital.
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Despite the best efforts of police and medical staff, Hoffman was rushed into the ICU and, unfortunately, passed away. In a statement, the Division of Fire Safety said, "His KCDG ambulance saved lives, and regarding the tragic death, they said, "Hoffman was the victim of an unimaginable crime: he was reportedly stabbed to death by a patient he was attempting to assist".
The brutal and senseless murder of 29-year-old paramedic Graham Hoffman stunned the whole Kansas City community. Kansas City Major Quinton Lucas recognized Hoffman's selfless service and enormous impact on the community, saying: "He was taken from us while working to save lives, making this loss even more painful".
Lucas asked Kansas residents to pray for Graham, recognizing the everlasting impact on his family, the Fire Department, and the city as a whole: "This senseless act reminds us of the dangers our first responders face every day".
The suspect is in custody as the police department coordinates with Clay County Prosecutor's Office to bring charges. "We will hold accountable not only the suspect but any part of the system that may have failed", Lucas said.
Kansas Interim Administrator Kimiko Gilmore issued a statement mourning the unimaginable tragedy: "Today, we mourn the passing of firefighter paramedic Graham Hoffman, a brave public servant who dedicated his life to helping others. His bravery, kindness, and commitment to our community will never be forgotten," she said.
Hoffman's fellow firefighters at the KCFD also praised his commitment, kindness, and positive attitude in all situations, remembering him as a "dedicated professional who loved serving his city".
What will happen to Shanetta Bossell, the killer of Graham Hoffman?
Following Hoffman's deadly accident, the Clay County Prosecutor's Office formally charged 38-year-old Shanetta Bossell is currently charged on three counts: first-degree murder, resisting/interfering with a felony arrest, and third-degree assault. Her bond was set at $1 million.
Bossell had been arrested one week earlier to this for allegedly biting an officer, local news channel KCTV5 reported. Her bond had been set at $10,000 by one judge and was posted before Saturday, April 26.
The Missouri Division of Fire Safety referred to Graham as a "lifesaver," "Hoffman spent his life responding to alarms, whatever the alarm or the circumstances," they stated in their release.
