Graham Hoffman Obituary, Death: Kansas City Firefighter-Paramedic Dies After Stabbing in Ambulance

Graham Hoffman Obituary, Death – A Kansas City firefighter-paramedic tragically died after being stabbed by a patient he was transporting to the hospital early Sunday morning. The incident occurred when Kansas City Fire Department (KCFD) crews responded to a routine medical call around 1 a.m.

According to the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD), the call was initially for a welfare check. A woman had been seen walking along the westbound lanes of Highway 152. Upon arrival, KCFD emergency responders helped the woman into the ambulance, and they began transporting her to the hospital. During the journey, however, the woman attacked the firefighter-paramedic, later identified as Graham Hoffman, stabbing him in the chest with a sharp object.

Hoffman’s partner, who was also in the ambulance, immediately stopped to assist and restrain the woman, but he too was assaulted by the patient. Both firefighters were taken to the hospital, with Hoffman initially reported to be suffering from life-threatening injuries. His partner was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Unfortunately, at approximately 3 p.m. on Sunday, the City of Kansas City confirmed that Hoffman had succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. During a press conference later that day, KCFD officials stated that the stab wound had pierced Hoffman’s heart.

Hoffman, who was 29 years old, had been with the Kansas City Fire Department since 2022. On the morning of the fatal incident, he was working overtime. Typically, Hoffman worked out of KCFD Station #42. The tragic event occurred while he was responding to what seemed to be a routine medical call.

The woman responsible for the stabbing, identified as Shanetta Bossell, was taken into custody. She was charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, assault, and resisting arrest. Bossell is being held on a $1 million bond. It was also revealed that Bossell had been previously detained at the Clay County Detention Center on April 23 and 24 for assaulting an officer. She was released on bond prior to the fatal incident.

At a press conference, Kansas City officials expressed their commitment to supporting Hoffman’s family through this unimaginable tragedy. Mayor Quinton Lucas, in his statement, said, “There will be many steps ahead as we evaluate what happened, as we review what occurred, as we address whatever needs to happen in the future. But today, I’m focused on grieving for his mother, father, his siblings, his family, and everyone in the KCFD family.”

Lucas also expressed his concern regarding Bossell’s prior legal situation. He noted that Bossell had been arrested just days before the stabbing for felony assault on a law enforcement officer and was out on bond when she became a threat to first responders again. The mayor remarked, “I believe in our justice system and will await further information about all that led to this heartbreaking incident and all that could have been done to avoid it.”

The Kansas City Fire Department has pledged to support its personnel impacted by this tragedy, ensuring that all KCFD employees have the assistance they need during this difficult time. KCFD Chief Ross Grundyson also issued a heartfelt statement. He explained, “It is with a heavy heart and great sorrow that I announce the death of Firefighter Paramedic Graham Hoffman. Firefighter Hoffman was stabbed in the chest, piercing his heart, while transporting a patient to a local hospital on what started out as a routine call.”

Grundyson further described how Hoffman’s partner immediately initiated a crew emergency, and additional KCFD and KCPD personnel were dispatched to the scene. Despite the lifesaving efforts performed by emergency responders as Hoffman was en route to North Kansas City Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries after surgery.

Hoffman’s colleagues and peers remembered him as a dedicated and compassionate individual. “Firefighter Graham Hoffman was 29 years old and was a member of the Department for three years. Graham was a vibrant individual who loved life and loved serving his community. He was an excellent paramedic who treated his patients with the highest level of skill and compassion.”

Grundyson emphasized the senseless nature of the attack, stating that the incident had taken a great young man from his family, friends, and coworkers. He expressed the tremendous loss felt by the Kansas City Fire Department, as well as the entire city. “This is a senseless act that has taken a great young man from his family, friends, and coworkers, and deprived our city of a dedicated firefighter, and a leader on and off the job who only wanted to serve and protect those in his community.”

The tragic death of Firefighter Paramedic Graham Hoffman has left a deep void in both his personal life and the community he served. The KCFD, Kansas City residents, and the broader public are mourning the loss of a first responder who embodied service and dedication to others. Officials have pledged to support Hoffman’s family as they navigate the emotional toll of this senseless act, and the investigation into the events leading up to the tragedy continues.

As Kansas City mourns this heartbreaking loss, many are reflecting on the inherent dangers faced by first responders every day and the unpredictable risks they encounter while serving their communities.