LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Family members of 21-year-old community activist Travis Nagdy said he was shot and killed early Monday morning.
According to the Louisville Metro Police Department, the shooting happened just after midnight in the 2100 block of Crittenden Drive near the University of Louisville's campus.
The Jefferson County Coroner's Office said Nagdy died of multiple gunshot wounds.
Nagdy's mother, Christina Muimneach, confirmed her son's death on Facebook claiming he was shot and killed during a carjacking incident.
Several members of the community who have been involved in protests and the push for justice in the Breonna Taylor case said Nagdy was a leader for protesters and the movement in Louisville.
"This was a young man that transformed other people," community activist Antonio "T-Made" Taylor said. "He was so loving. He inspired people. He really cared for people.”
Activist leaders and groups in Louisville like the Independent Community Action Network (ICAN) and the Universal Development Corporation met virtually Monday to discuss with other leaders the impact of the situation.
Those community leaders recognized the leadership displayed by Nagdy in demonstrations.
"He was committed to justice for all," ICAN Secretary Erica Bowman said. "He worked very hard as a young soul to share his vision, share his light to others. Anyone he came into contact with it was equality for all."
Those fighting for change in the community said the tragic death highlights the need for more resources and leaders on the ground in Louisville. They said there's a need for more people every day working to establish relationships with young people in impoverished communities to help end gun violence.
"We can't keep killing each other," ICAN President Tonya Trumbo said. "We can't keep passing the blame. We have to stand and fight these generational curses and everything else that's going on in our society."
Several prominent activists and community leaders have took to social media to pay tribute to Nagdy's efforts in the protests and demonstrations.
Papa, papa don't you cry. Today is not my day to die."🎵🎼Travis Nagdy 😭 pic.twitter.com/LtF4Zy8vej
— Sadiqa (@SadiqaReynolds) November 23, 2020
You ever met a natural born leader? I have & 6 months later he was shot. #Day180 #JusticeforBreonnaTaylor✊🏾 at #InjusticeSquarePark. We lost a great one.This whole time I & we been out here for our young people like Travis Nagdy. We have become a family & all that comes with it! pic.twitter.com/oRxvsmTuoc
— ShamekaParrishWright (@Seasoned4u) November 23, 2020
We’ve suffered a great loss. Travis Nagdy, a young leader committed to the fight for justice, is gone.As we marched for Breonna Taylor, it was often Travis and his megaphone leading the way. A bullet took his breath, but we still hear his voice.Rest in Power, young Brother.
— Charles Booker (@Booker4KY) November 23, 2020
Some of the people who knew Nagdy recall just a week ago when he was working to lead a group that would push to end gun violence in Louisville.
"The same things he was fighting for in the community, now tragically his life was lost because of the senseless violence that happened last night,” Universal Development Corporation activist Dennisha Rivers said.
The increased gun violence in the city was an important issue to Nagdy, those close to him say.
Many hope that his leadership and passion will help inspire others to continue the fight for change.
“He will be a beacon of hope that we will start to address the violence in the way that we need to," Taylor said.
A few hundred people gathered for a vigil honoring Nagdy Monday evening at Jefferson Square Park, where he spent much of his time. Candles were lit and chants to bring his killer to justice rang out.
Many of those gathered at the vigil held signs and flags in honor of Nagdy and the Black Lives Matter movement. The vigil was followed by a march through downtown Louisville.
LMPD has not identified any suspects at this time. If you have any information, call the anonymous tip line at 574-LMPD (5673).
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