The memorial fund for Shaun Brady, the popular Irish chef who was fatally shot in Kansas City on Wednesday evening, August 28, has surpassed $60k in less than a day.
The GoFundMe, to benefit Shaun’s wife Katie and their two young children, was launched on Thursday by the Kansas City Irish Fest, in which Shaun was a key fixture.
“As a chef, Shaun Brady nourished his community not just with incredible food, but with a deep pride in his culture and a contagious enthusiasm for celebration,” the organizers wrote on the GoFundMe page.
“The light he brought to our Irish community will endure through those touched by his talent, spirit, and joy for life.
“By donating to the Shaun Brady Memorial Fund through GoFundMe, you can ensure lasting support for Shaun's family, including his beloved wife and two young children, helping them feel the comfort and security of his legacy for years to come.
“We invite you to contribute $45—the ticket price of Shaun's cherished KCIF Irish Fest Breakfast shared with friends, though any amount will mean the world to those who loved him and to the Kansas City Irish community that he brought together with his remarkable spirit. All proceeds will go directly to a trust fund to support Shaun's family.”
At the time of publication on Friday, $60,535 had been raised through the online donation platform, more than half of the fund's $100,000 target. The figure is steadily growing.
The Kansas City Police Department confirmed on Thursday morning that Shaun Brady was the victim of a shooting the previous evening in Kansas City, Missouri.
Police said that a preliminary investigation revealed Shaun was taking out trash when he observed multiple subjects by a vehicle. An interaction between the victim and subjects occurred that led to the victim being shot.
KCPD said on Wednesday that the incident is being investigated as a homicide.
On Thursday, KCPD said that within an hour of the incident occurring on Wednesday evening, two juvenile male teen subjects were taken into custody pending further investigation in regard to the case.
The vehicle used in the crime was also recovered. The subjects were taken into custody and the vehicle was found a short distance away in Midtown.
If anyone has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.
Shaun opened his restaurant Brady's KC in the Brookside area of Kansas City in 2022. Ahead of his restaurant's opening, Shaun spoke with IrishCentral, where he was emphatic that his restaurant was Irish American, not just Irish.
On social media on Thursday, the restaurant posted: "Our hearts are broken. There are no words to express our sadness, anger and frustration. Our community is with Shaun's family - forever.
"We appreciate the outpouring of support, offers to help, and your love. Together we are united. Together we will grieve. Together we will heal.
"We ask that you show compassion and aid in our healing by respecting the privacy of Shaun's family.
"Thank you.
"Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine. [People live in each other's shadow]."
The Kansas City Irish Fest Board of Directors also paid tribute to Shaun on Thursday before launching the memorial fund.
"Shaun was the head chef and creator of the Kansas City Irish Breakfast, a joyful tradition following our Catholic Mass the Sunday of the festival weekend," the Board of Directors said.
"Although Kansas City Irish Fest will take place this weekend, we have decided to cancel the Irish Breakfast to give those who knew and loved Shaun a chance to gather and remember him."
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