Johnson County mom dies in KC parade shooting. Police confirm one fatality
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Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a Johnson County mother of two and beloved disc jockey in Kansas City, was confirmed killed in the shooting at the end of the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade celebration Wednesday.
Police, as of a 5:30 p.m. press conference, only confirmed one death, making it unclear whether Lopez-Galvan is that individual or a another. An earlier version of this story had said that Lopez-Galvan was believed confirmed as a second victim.
Friends confirmed the death to The Star after talking to family. Lopez-Galvan is reported to have died during surgery at a hospital from a gunshot wound to her abdomen Wednesday afternoon.
“She was the most wonderful, beautiful person,” said Lisa Lopez, a friend for decades (no relation) who also works as The Star’s newsroom executive administrative assistant. “She was a local DJ. She did everybody’s weddings. We all know her. She was so full of life.”
Lopez-Galvan, who graduated from Bishop Miege High School, lived in Shawnee. In her mid-40s, married, with two adult children, she was a disc jockey for community radio station KKFI and co-host of the program “Taste of Tejano,” featuring Hispanic music. Beto Lopez, the president and chief executive officer of the Guadalupe Centers, is her brother.
“For Lisa music is life and a source of happiness,” reads her biography on KKFI’s website. “Anyone could ‘get away’ mentally while listening to their favorite genre; music can also be a form of therapy for some.”
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Throughout the afternoon, before she died, Lopez-Galvan’s Facebook was filled with messages of hope and prayer.
“Sending prayers to you and your family,” said one.
“One of our friends needs your prayers big time!!!!!.” said another. “Her son and her little cousin as well need your prayers! Please pray for the doctors and nurses working on all 3 of them and give them and lift them up in your prayers.”
The note refers to Lopez-Galvan’s adult son, who apparently also suffered a gunshot wound, and two cousins believed to be minors.
After her death, Manny Abarca, a Jackson County legislator, wrote: “I have known Lisa and her family for over a decade,” said “I have witnessed that smile across DJ equipment, and on the stage of our largest Fiesta in Kansas City. I will not let her death go in (vain). I will legislate, I will fight and I will do everything in my power to change this State and City for the better.”
I have known Lisa and her family for over a decade. I have witnessed that smile across DJ equipment, and on the stage of our largest Fiesta in #KansasCity
I will not let her death go in vein. I will legislate, I will fight and I WILL do everything in my power to change this… https://t.co/e7yiyjvNj4— Manny Abarca (@MannyAbarcaIV) February 15, 2024
On its Facebook page, KKFI said, “This senseless act has taken a beautiful person from her family and this KC Community.”
“She is a person who added a voice that is oftentimes missed,” said Kelly Dougherty, KKFI director of development and communications. “We can speak as much as we can, but words don’t do this justice, don’t do her justice.
“So much sadness. So much devastation and just an incredible loss. … She just went down there to have some fun.”
Lopez-Galvan was a longtime Kansas City Chiefs fan, excited about Wednesday’s Super Bowl victory celebration.
On Monday, after the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers, Lopez-Galvan texted her friend at The Star, looking for a commemorative edition of the Super Bowl victory and writing, “‘Can I get a paper?’” Lopez said. “She has a beautiful family. She was such a happy person.”
At a 3:30 p.m. press conference Wednesday, police had said that one person had died, and 10 to 15 had been wounded by gunshots. Lopez-Galvan is thought to have died following that initial press conference. At the 5:30 pm. press conference, the number of gunshot victims was increased to 22. Police, however, continued to confirm only one fatality.
Other victims’ names have not been released. Police also said three rather than two individuals have been detained.
