GoFundMe launched for Mississippi Deacon killed protecting others at Easter egg hunt

A Mississippi deacon was fatally shot while trying to protect people from a dispute that broke out during an Easter egg hunt hosted by his church, police and his church said.

Tragedy in Mississippi

Empowerment Ministries Christian Center in Gulfport, Mississippi, identified the deacon as Eddie Shed and said he died on Saturday, April 12 while trying to “save others from harm” at the church’s Easter egg hunt at Jack and Florence Goldin Park in Gulfport.

The Gulfport Police Department said the shooting stemmed from a “child custody dispute” and that two people who tried to “de-escalate the fight” were hit by gunfire, as well as the suspect. Shed was pronounced dead at the scene. Another church member, identified by family as Jimmy Nance, is being treated for serious injuries.

Police have arrested Tyran Deion Gable, 24, of Saucier, Mississippi, on charges of murder and aggravated assault, according to the Gulfport Police Department. Gable was reportedly struck by gunfire during the shooting and was taken to a hospital for treatment, police said.

Deacon killed died a “hero”

Witnesses of the shooting said Shed didn’t hesitate to protect the children at the Easter egg hunt.

“I wouldn’t expect nothing less from him to do something like that, nothing less,” longtime church member Shatondria Ball told WLOX.

“He died a hero doing what he does best, and that’s protecting and that’s loving and that’s looking out for everyone,” fellow church member Alexis Weathersby told the outlet. “He was just a wonderful man that was willing to do any and everything for anyone.”

Deacon Eddie Shed (GoFundMe)

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GoFundMe for Deacon Shed

A verified GoFundMe has been created to help the family of Deacon Shed.

At the time of this reporting, the community has raised more than $20,000 to support Shed’s family during this challenging time.

“Deacon Shed, a leader at Empowerment Ministries Christian Center in Gulfport, epitomized the virtues of a hero, displaying selfless courage and bravery that ultimately saved others from harm. He paid the ultimate price for his valor, and we are deeply saddened by this loss,” the GoFundMe fundraiser reads.

Deacon Shed leaves behind a devoted wife and their three cherished children. He is also survived by his loving mother and six siblings.

A GoFundMe has also been created for Nance to help with expenses as he recovers.