In a tragic incident, a firefighter in Missouri was killed in the back of an ambulance after he was allegedly stabbed by a patient on the way to the hospital, leading to charges of resisting and interfering with arrest and third-degree assault pressed against the patient, Shanetta Boswell.
For context, Kansas City Fire Department Medic Graham Hoffman, a 29-year-old, passed away on April 27, 2025, after he was reportedly stabbed to death by Boswell, 38, while riding in the back of an ambulance. Hoffman’s partner attempted to get medical help, taking Hoffman to North Kansas City Hospital, but the young paramedic sadly died in the ICU. Hoffman’s fellow firefighters described the tragedy as “an unfathomable crime,” according to press accounts.
After Hoffman’s death, a Kansas City-issued press release provided further background on the incident, with a city representative saying, “Early Sunday morning, Firefighter Hoffman was critically injured after being stabbed in the chest, piercing his heart, while transporting a patient to a local hospital on what began as a routine medical call from the police. His partner immediately initiated a crew emergency, and additional KCFD and KCPD personnel were dispatched to the scene.”
Furthermore, the press release explained that Hoffman’s colleagues, along with hospital personnel, worked hard to save his life, saying, “Lifesaving efforts continued in the emergency room before Graham was moved into surgery. Despite the heroic efforts of KCFD paramedics and the hospital medical team, Firefighter Hoffman succumbed to his injuries in the intensive care unit.”
Following Firefighter Hoffman’s passing, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas made a thoughtful statement, extending support and prayers to the firefighter’s family and friends. Mayor Lucas said, “I am heartbroken by the loss of Firefighter Paramedic Graham Hoffman. After praying for his recovery this morning with his family and colleagues, I join all Kansas Citians in mourning the loss of a heroic public servant.”
Continuing, Mayor Lucas emphasized that Hoffman’s young age made his passing even more tragic, saying, “At just 29, Graham embodied Kansas City’s finest quality – selfless service for others. That he was taken from us while working to save lives makes this loss all the more painful.” The mayor added, “To Graham’s family, friends, and Kansas City Fire Department brothers and sisters: Words cannot ease your grief, but Kansas City stands with you, mourns with you, and will support you through the difficult days ahead.”
Concluding his statement, Mayor Lucas described the stabbing as a “senseless act,” saying the incident “reminds us of the dangers our first responders face each day. The suspect remains in custody as the police department works with the Clay County Prosecutor toward charges. We will demand accountability be applied not just to the suspect, but also for any steps in the system that fell short.”
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According to coverage from Fox News, the Clay County, Kansas, Prosecutor’s Office reported that multiple felony charges were being pressed against Shanetta Boswell, the 38-year-old patient who allegedly stabbed Firefighter Hoffman. Boswell’s bond was reportedly set at $1 million, but was adjusted to $10,000 by a judge upon review of her case.
Watch the heartfelt reaction to Hoffman’s death from the KCFD chief:
Featured image credit: screengrab from the embedded video