Kansas City was marred by tragedy on Wednesday as a mass shooting unfolded during the celebratory Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade, claiming the life of beloved radio personality Lisa Lopez-Galvan.
The 42-year-old mother of two, co-host of Taste of Tejano on independent noncommercial radio station KKFI, fell victim to the senseless violence, succumbing to a gunshot wound to her abdomen after undergoing emergency surgery.
KKFI confirmed Lopez-Galvan’s passing on its Facebook page, expressing profound sadness and condolences to her family. The station wrote, “It is with sincere sadness and a weighty and broken heart that we let our community know that KKFI DJ Lisa Lopez-Galvan, host of Taste of Tejano lost her life today in the shooting at the KC Chiefs’ rally. Our hearts and prayers are with her family.”
Lopez-Galvan, who joined KKFI in 2022, brought her passion for Tejano music to the airwaves after over a decade as a DJ for weddings and events around Kansas City. The community mourns not only the loss of a talented broadcaster but also a vibrant personality deeply connected to the cultural fabric of the city.
The aftermath of the shooting left 21 others wounded by gunfire, including 11 children between the ages of 6 and 15. The city is grappling with shock and grief as condolences pour in from the local community and nationwide.
The Missouri Broadcasters Association expressed its sorrow, stating, “We are deeply saddened to learn a local broadcaster was lost in today’s shooting in Kansas City. Our condolences to Lisa’s family, friends, coworkers, and listeners.”
Local legislator Manny Abarca, who had known Lisa and her family for over a decade, pledged to honor her memory through legislative action. Abarca shared on social media, “I will not let her death go in vain. I will legislate, I will fight and I WILL do everything in my power to change this State and City for the better.”
As the investigation into the shooting unfolds, authorities have detained three suspects. The tragic incident has left Kansas City in mourning, highlighting the urgency for addressing the pervasive issue of gun violence that continues to impact communities nationwide.
