Tyrone Kearney

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

Tyrone Kearney was someone whose presence could light up a room long before anyone realized how much they depended on it.

The 31-year-old was gunned down on Wednesday, Nov. 19, in Southeast DC, leaving a family, a mother, and a community struggling to understand a loss that came without warning.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department, officers were called shortly after 5:30 p.m. to the 1200 block of Valley Avenue SE, for reports of gunfire. 

When they arrived, they found Kearney unconscious and unresponsive with gunshot wounds. 

DC Fire and EMS responded and pronounced him dead after finding no signs consistent with life, officials said. 

As detectives continue their investigation, those who knew Kearney are left trying to hold up his mother, Benita, who lost not only her youngest child but also her only son.

A fundraiser created by family friend and co-worker Elisa KenDragon describes just how deep that grief runs. 

Kearney was “the beloved youngest and only son of our teammate, Benita. Tyron’s life was tragically cut short, leaving his family and all who knew him devastated.”

For Benita, the heartbreak is layered. 

The GoFundMe notes that in addition to losing her son, she is still coping with the recent loss of her mother. 

Elisa wrote that Benita is “a ray of light in our community. She is someone who consistently shows deep care for others, advocates for fairness, and brings compassion to every space she enters.”

Now the community she spent years supporting is trying to return that compassion.

Elisa wrote that any contribution “will make a meaningful difference as Benita and her family navigate this heartbreaking time.” She added that those who cannot donate can still help by sharing the fundraiser, calling it “a valuable way to show support.”

Supporters can find the GoFundMe campaign here.

As Elisa put it, “Thank you for your kindness.”