Eddie Shed, a devoted deacon at Empowerment Ministries Christian Center, was fatally shot during an Easter egg hunt held at Jack and Florence Goldin Park in Gulfport, Mississippi. During the jubilant celebration, Shed intervened to settle an argument. Unfortunately, the shooting was said to have been related to a child custody dispute. Witnesses to her work describe Shed as a “pillar of strength” and a “beacon of light and hope” for the community.
As the situation became heated between participants that day, the shooting took place on April 9th. Shed, who imbued every facet of his life and service with his deep faith and commitment to serving others, moved to shield others from the deepening crisis. The shooter found his way into the sanctuary, where in his selfless act he was shot down in service to save others from harm. Tragically, two young men of color who attempted to de-escalate the situation were caught in the crossfire.
U.S. Authorities arrested 24-year-old Tyran Deion Gable of Saucier, Mississippi during the bust. He’s dealing with serious charges, including murder and aggravated assault. The community is now grappling with the aftermath of this senseless act of gun violence, which has left a profound impact on those who knew Shed and his family.
Shed’s devotion to his church and tireless focus on serving others helped make him widely admired and deeply respected. Longtime church member Shatondria Ball stated, “I wouldn’t expect nothing less from him to do something like that, nothing less. He was just a hero.” Alexis Weathersby echoed this sentiment, saying, “He died a hero doing what he does best, and that’s protecting and that’s loving and that’s looking out for everyone.”
Gregg S. Magee, a representative of Empowerment Ministries Christian Center, expressed the community’s grief by stating, “His unwavering faith, kindness, and dedication to serving others have left an indelible mark on all who knew him.” The church further described Shed as someone who “epitomized the virtues of a hero, displaying selfless courage and bravery that ultimately saved others from harm.”
And as the community comes together to mourn the loss of Eddie Shed, support for his family has galvanized. A GoFundMe campaign set up to support his wife and three children has raised almost $16,000 as of April 15. Shed’s death was lamented by Empowerment Ministries Christian Center, where she and her husband were involved in ministry. They shared that, personally, his absence leaves a tremendous space for each of them.
Leave a Reply