Firefighter-Paramedic Graham Hoffman, 29, allegedly stabbed by patient he was transporting to hospital

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — In what officials called “a senseless act,” a paramedic in Kansas City, Missouri, was fatally stabbed on Sunday — allegedly by a patient that he was transporting to a hospital.

Firefighter-Paramedic Graham Hoffman, 29, had been with the Kansas City Fire Department since 2022.

“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,” a statement from the city said. “His partner immediately initiated a crew emergency.”

He was rushed to North Kansas City Hospital, where he died from his injuries, Fire Chief Ross Grundyson said.

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“KCFD crews worked tirelessly to save Firefighter Hoffman’s life en route to North Kansas City Hospital,” the city’s statement added. “Lifesaving efforts continued in the emergency room before Graham was moved into surgery. Despite the heroic efforts … Firefighter Hoffman, succumbed to his injuries in the intensive care unit.”

Officials said the suspect was in custody on Sunday, but did not provide details.

“I expect and will demand justice,” Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said at a news conference on Sunday. “I never expected a line of duty death like this one.”

“Graham was a dedicated professional who loved serving his city,” the KCFD posted on Facebook. “He will be greatly missed.”

ABC News’ Chris Barry contributed to this report.

The 2025 NFL draft has come and gone, and while a lot of focus was on the standout picks, there remains a significant question looming over the Kansas City Chiefs‘ roster: Have they solved their long-standing problem at left tackle? After years of struggling to find consistency at this crucial position, the Chiefs used both free agency and the draft to address their offensive line issues. However, the results remain uncertain. Can their latest moves provide the stability the team desperately needs?

Chiefs hope Jaylon Moore and Josh Simmons can finally fill the void at left tackle

In an attempt to shore up their left tackle position, the Chiefs signed Jaylon Moore in free agency and selected Ohio State’s Josh Simmons in the first round. While both players bring promise, they also come with a set of questions that could affect their impact on the team.

Moore, a career backup with limited starting experience, will now be thrust into a critical role. The big question is: Can he transition from a reserve player to an effective starter for one of the most high-profile teams in the NFL? If Moore can step up and prove himself, he could finally give the Chiefs the stability they need on the left side of their offensive line.
On the other hand, Simmons brings raw talent but also comes with a significant concern: a torn patella. The injury, which has raised questions about his long-term durability, means the Chiefs will have to wait and see if Simmons can fully recover and live up to his potential. With such a key injury history, there’s legitimate concern about whether Simmons can avoid future setbacks and become the cornerstone left tackle the Chiefs have been searching for.

What happens if Jaylon Moore and Josh Simmons fail to live up to expectations?

If both players fail to meet expectations, the Chiefs could find themselves back at square one, trying to patch up the left tackle spot mid-season. The left tackle position is crucial to the success of the entire offense, as protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ blindside is paramount for the Chiefs to continue competing at the highest level.
The Chiefs have managed to overcome this problem in recent seasons by finding solutions elsewhere on the line, but a continued weakness at left tackle could jeopardize their Super Bowl aspirations. With Mahomes’ mobility, the Chiefs’ offense is dangerous—but leaving him vulnerable at such an important position could ultimately derail their efforts to reclaim the Lombardi Trophy.
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The Chiefs are clearly hoping that their draft picks and free-agent signing will finally provide an answer to their left tackle woes. Time will tell if Jaylon Moore and Josh Simmons can make their mark and solidify the position. Until then, it remains one of the most pressing questions for the franchise in the 2025 season.

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – “My whole objective today is to paint pictures using music,” Pianist Dr. Kristi Baker-Lampe said.

Dr. Kristi Baker-Lampe has spent years traveling to share her piano delights with the world.

On April 27, she made a pit stop in her hometown to play music for a Sunday afternoon at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library.

“Its really neat to come back home and share,” Dr. Baker-Lampe said. “I’ve got a lot a friends that are here and a lot of people that I don’t know as well that I’m glad came.”

Without any sheet music, Dr. Baker-Lampe preformed some of Beethoven’s classics along with some never heard before music from across the world.

“They’re from South America and one from Argentina that was written by a dear friend of mine and another that was written in Columbia,” Dr. Baker-Lampe said. “One of my colleagues who teaches at a university down there found a whole box of like 300 pieces that were all handwritten back in the 20s.”

Through those soothing tunes, she completed the picture for those who listened in the way she knew and did best.

“Music is something that no matter what are others believe, no matter what we feel about different things, music is something that can bring us all together that we can all relate to and that’s really the main objective in sharing music on a Sunday afternoon and I’m so grateful that I got to be a part of that.”

The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library will host the next music for a Sunday afternoon event on May 18 at 3:00 p.m..

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