Kansas City Firefighter Dies After Being Stabbed During Medical Transport

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Kansas City firefighter-paramedic was fatally stabbed by a patient during a medical transport early Sunday morning, city officials announced.

Firefighter-paramedic Graham Hoffman, 29, was critically injured around 1 a.m. while transporting a patient to Saint Luke’s Hospital. Authorities stated that the patient, identified as Shanetta Bossell, 38, attacked Hoffman with a knife during the ride.

Additional personnel from the Kansas City Fire Department and Kansas City Police Department responded as Hoffman’s partner called for emergency assistance. Despite the efforts of medical teams at North Kansas City Hospital, Hoffman succumbed to his injuries.

Bossell has been charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action, with a bond set at $1 million by the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office. If convicted, she could spend the rest of her life in prison.

Mayor Quinton Lucas expressed heartbreak over Hoffman’s death, describing him as someone who dedicated his life to serving the community. “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,” Lucas said.

Hoffman had joined the Kansas City Fire Department in 2022 and was known for his vibrant personality and commitment to his work. Kansas City Fire Chief Ross Grundyson stated, “He was an excellent paramedic who treated his patients with the highest level of skill and compassion.”

The emergency crews were called to assist a woman reported walking along Highway 152 near Oak Trafficway, which turned out to be Bossell. After officers requested EMS for further treatment, she was placed into the ambulance.

It was reported that Bossell had a prior run-in with law enforcement just days before this incident, leading to concerns about her being a danger to the public.

The investigation is ongoing as the Kansas City community mourns the loss of a dedicated firefighter.