Missouri Paramedic Fatally Stabbed By Patient Inside Ambulance

A Missouri paramedic is dead after being stabbed by a patient in the back of an ambulance early Sunday, officials said.

Kansas City officials said in a statement that Firefighter Paramedic Graham Hoffman, 29, was on a “routine” medical call from the Kansas City Police Department on Sunday morning and was transporting a patient to a local hospital when the patient stabbed him in the chest, piercing his heart.

Hoffman’s partner initiated a crew emergency, and additional police and Kansas City Fire Department personnel responded to the scene. Hoffman was transported to North Kansas City Hospital where lifesaving efforts continued and he was moved into surgery. Hoffman ultimately succumbed to his injuries in the intensive care unit.

Hoffman had been a member of the Kansas City Fire Department since 2022.

“I join all Kansas Citians in mourning the loss of a heroic public servant,” Mayor Quinton Lucas said in a statement.

“At just 29, Graham embodied Kansas Citys finest quality — selfless service for others. That he was taken from us while working to save lives makes this loss all the more painful. To Grahams 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.”

Lucas confirmed the suspect, who was not immediately named, remained in police custody, and the Clay County Prosecutor is working on bringing charges.

The fire department said Hoffman was “described as compassionate, caring, loving, and a leader on and off the job by his fellow firefighters and academy classmates.”

“Graham was a dedicated professional who loved serving his city. He will be greatly missed,” the fire department said. “Rest in peace Firefighter Graham Hoffman.”