KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Kansas City firefighter-paramedic has died after being stabbed by a patient he was transporting to a hospital on Sunday morning, the Kansas City Fire Department said.
According to the Kansas City Police Department, just before 1 a.m., KCFD crews were dispatched to North Oak Trafficway and 152 Highway on a “routine medical call.”
KCPD said the call was for a welfare check after a woman was seen walking along the westbound lanes of 152 Highway.
When KCFD emergency responders arrived, they reportedly took the woman in the ambulance, but while en route to the hospital, the woman stabbed the firefighter-paramedic, later identified as Graham Hoffman, in the chest with an “edged weapon or sharp object.”
Hoffman’s partner stopped to help and take the woman into custody, but was also assaulted by the patient.
Both firefighters were taken to a hospital, with Hoffman originally reported to have suffered life-threatening injuries and his partner reported to have non-life-threatening injuries.
However, on Sunday at about 3 p.m., the City of Kansas City released a statement confirming he had died at the hospital from his injuries. At a press conference Sunday afternoon, KCFD said that Hoffman was stabbed in the heart.
Hoffman was 29 years old and had served with KCFD since 2022.
At this time, the suspect is in custody, KCPD said.
Early Sunday morning, Mayor Quinton Lucas took to social media following the incident. He said he had spent time with the firefighter’s family and KCFD crews
Additionally, he provided more details about the suspect, declaring that she has been identified and investigators are looking to see if she has any recent criminal history.
He added, “I also will expect serious charges matching the grievous harm she caused to someone working to provide her emergency medical care.”
The name of the suspect has not been released by law enforcement.
The City of Kansas City said KCFD will be providing support to all employees impacted by the tragedy.
Later Sunday afternoon, KCFD Chief Ross Grundyson released the following statement:
It is with a heavy heart and great sorrow that I announce the death of Firefighter ParamedicGraham Hoffman. Firefighter Hoffman was stabbed in the chest, piercing his heart, whiletransporting a patient to a local hospital on what started out as a routine call. FirefighterHoffman’s partner immediately initiated a crew emergency and additional KCFD and KCPD
personnel were dispatched to the scene. KCFD crews worked to save Firefighter Hoffman’s life while enroute to North Kansas City Hospital. Lifesaving efforts were performed in the emergency room prior to moving Graham to surgery. After surgery Firefighter Hoffman was placed in ICU where he succumbed to his injuries.
Firefighter Graham Hoffman was 29 years old and was a member of the Department for threeyears. 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.
The Kansas City Fire Department grieves with Graham’s family, friends, and loved ones. This is asenseless act that has taken a great young man from his family, friends, and coworkers, anddeprived 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 coming days, months, and years will be difficult ones as we prepare to say goodbye to
Firefighter Hoffman and process this devasting loss. I would like to thank our KCFD members and the staff at North Kansas City Hospital for their tremendous efforts. Thank you to the Kansas City Police Department for your quick response and apprehension of the suspect.
To the Hoffman family, my sincerest condolences for your loss. Know that during these difficulttimes the Kansas City Fire Department is here for you, and we grieve with you. KCFD and our
community lost one of the best today.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to FOX4 News for the latest updates and information.
