On what should have been the start of his birthday week, Kansas City firefighter paramedic Graham Hoffman was instead laid to rest — remembered as a “vibrant individual” whose life was cut short in the line of duty.
The 29-year-old - who would have turned 30 this week - was fatally stabbed on Sunday, April 27, while caring for a patient inside an ambulance.
The woman, later identified as 39-year-old Shanetta Bossell, allegedly attacked Hoffman mid-transport after being picked up on a routine medical call.
“She stabbed me in the heart,” Hoffman reportedly said to his partner, who stopped the vehicle and rushed to help, the affidavit said, per The Independent.
Despite immediate medical efforts and transport to North Kansas City Hospital, Hoffman died in the ICU. He had been with the Kansas City Fire Department since 2022, after starting his career with the Belton Fire Department.
A deadly betrayal during a call to help
Hoffman and his partner were responding to a call about a woman walking along the shoulder of a highway with a bleeding finger — later revealed to be Bossell, who had recently been released on bond in a resisting arrest case, per CBS News.
According to Clay County court documents, officers requested an ambulance, and the two paramedics began transporting her to Saint Luke’s Hospital. That’s when Bossell allegedly pulled a knife and stabbed Hoffman in the chest, piercing his heart.
She then attempted to hijack the ambulance, but was stopped by police who had been following the vehicle. The affidavit states that an officer had to hit Bossell with his firearm after she bit down on his arm during the arrest.
Bossell has been charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, assault, and resisting arrest. She has pleaded not guilty and is being held on a $1 million bond, with her next court appearance scheduled for May 5.
‘We will make sure the world knows about Graham Hoffman’
On Friday, hundreds of first responders, neighbors, and strangers came together to honor Hoffman’s life, KSHB reports.
His funeral was held at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, followed by a moving procession that passed Station 42 — his final post. As the bells tolled and colleagues saluted, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas promised Hoffman’s legacy would endure.
“Graham took care of folks in times of need,” Lucas said. “He helped them be safe. He helped them lead exceptional lives, and we will honor his memory and we will make sure that the world knows about Graham Hoffman, that future generations of firefighters know about Graham Hoffman.”
Speaking earlier in the week, Lucas had called the attack “heartbreaking,” adding: “Graham was 29 years old, someone who had an exceptional life ahead of him, and he died doing something that was so impactful and important to all of us, serving the community.”
A first responder remembered for his compassion
Hoffman’s colleagues, neighbors, and strangers described him as not just a skilled paramedic, but a deeply kind and present human being.
Fire Chief Ross Grundyson called him “a vibrant individual who loved life and loved serving his community,” and added: “He was an excellent paramedic. He treated his patients with the highest level of skill and compassion.”
“He was just doing his job — but doing it well,” said Brandon Hays, who stood outside Station 42 to watch the funeral procession. His brother Jeffrey recalled that Graham had helped their mother just hours before he was killed. “He was the one who was so attentive...on his knees asking her questions,” he said. “I thank God I was living and around during his time.”
Marissa Ortiz, who works in emergency transport, said: “Me and my partner are both an all-female crew. His help and generosity have always been so nice.” Hoffman had often assisted them with “life assists” and patient transports.
Mickey, a local resident who knew the firehouse well, also came to pay her respects. “I'm coming to represent and say my farewell to a young man I didn't know, but I know this fire department,” she said. “To the fire department and everyone showing up today, your brother is in good hands. God got him.”
‘He will be greatly missed’
The Kansas City Fire Department honored Hoffman on social media, writing: “Graham was a dedicated professional who loved serving his city. He will be greatly missed."
The Missouri Division of Fire Safety echoed the sentiment, describing him as “compassionate, caring, loving, and a leader on and off the job by his fellow firefighters and academy classmates.”
Clay County Prosecutor Zachary Thompson called the killing “horrific” and said his office would pursue the case relentlessly: “Let me be perfectly clear. Our office will use all legal, moral, and ethical tools at our disposal to ensure justice for Graham, his family and the entire community.”