A Kansas City firefighter-paramedic has died after being stabbed by a patient during a medical transport early Sunday morning, officials confirmed.
Graham Hoffman, 29, was critically injured around 1 a.m. while transporting a patient to Saint Luke’s Hospital, following what began as a routine medical call from police. During the ambulance ride, the patient allegedly stabbed Hoffman in the chest, piercing his heart. His partner immediately called for emergency assistance, and additional Kansas City Fire and Police Department personnel responded to the scene124.
Despite the efforts of first responders and medical teams at North Kansas City Hospital-including emergency room care and surgery-Hoffman succumbed to his injuries in the intensive care unit126.
Hoffman had served with the Kansas City Fire Department since 2022 and was described by colleagues as vibrant, compassionate, and deeply committed to his community. Fire Chief Ross Grundyson said, “He was an excellent paramedic. He treated his patients with the highest level of skill and compassion”26. Mayor Quinton Lucas called the incident “a senseless act” and expressed heartbreak at the loss, emphasizing the city’s commitment to supporting Hoffman’s family and ensuring first responder safety146.
The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Shanetta Bossell, was taken into custody at the scene. She has been charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action, with bond set at $1 million234. Court records show Bossell had been arrested days earlier on unrelated assault charges after allegedly biting a police officer during a separate incident23.
City officials and the Kansas City Fire Department are mourning Hoffman’s loss and have pledged to support his family and colleagues in the days ahead. Funeral service details will be announced soon