Kansas City Grieves Loss of Firefighter-Paramedic Graham Hoffman After Tragic Stabbing

by Derek White

Kansas City is in mourning after the tragic and senseless death of 29-year-old firefighter-paramedic Graham Hoffman, who was fatally stabbed early Sunday morning by a patient he was trying to help.

What Happened

Shortly after 12:30 a.m. on April 27, Kansas City Police and Fire Department crews responded to calls about a woman walking along the shoulder of Missouri Highway 152 near North Oak Trafficway. The woman, later identified as 38-year-old Shanetta Bossell, had a laceration on her finger. Emergency responders arranged for her transport to Saint Luke’s Hospital by ambulance.

However, during the ride, Bossell allegedly attacked and fatally stabbed Hoffman inside the ambulance. His partner immediately called for emergency assistance, and additional Kansas City Police Department and Fire Department personnel rushed to the scene. A knife was recovered from the ambulance.

Despite the efforts of first responders and the staff at North Kansas City Hospital, Hoffman's injuries—particularly a wound that pierced his heart—proved fatal. He was pronounced dead in the intensive care unit after emergency surgery.

Community Reaction and Charges Filed

Shanetta Bossell has been charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. She remains in custody on a $1 million bond. If convicted, Bossell faces life in prison without parole.

This was not Bossell’s first run-in with the law. Just days earlier, she had been arrested and charged for allegedly assaulting a Platte City Police officer. She was released on bond only two days before the fatal stabbing.

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas expressed both sorrow and frustration following the incident. "Graham was 29 years old, someone who had an exceptional life ahead of him, and he died doing something impactful — serving the community," Lucas said. He added, "There will be many steps ahead as we evaluate what happened and how to better protect our first responders."

Clay County Prosecutor Zach Thompson also remarked on the tragedy, saying, "Graham made the safety of his community his personal responsibility. Our community grieves his loss at such a young age."

Remembering Graham Hoffman

Graham Hoffman had served with the Kansas City Fire Department since 2022. He was described by his colleagues and city officials as vibrant, compassionate, and dedicated to his work. "He was an excellent paramedic who treated his patients with the highest level of skill and compassion," said Fire Chief Ross Grundyson.

Chief Grundyson further noted, "This senseless act 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."

Funeral arrangements for Hoffman are being planned, and the Kansas City Fire Department is offering grief counseling and support to its members. The Hoffman family has asked for privacy during this deeply painful time.

As Kansas City mourns the loss of one of its brightest young public servants, city leaders have vowed to review policies and practices to better protect the first responders who risk their lives daily to serve their community.