The city of Grand Rapids is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 26-year-old Donovan Moody, whose life was tragically taken on the night of November 6, 2025. Around 8:30 p.m., officers from the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) responded to Hollister Avenue, just north of Wealthy Street, after reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they found Donovan lying in the roadway with a gunshot wound to the head. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. By Friday morning, the Kent County Medical Examiner confirmed his death as a homicide.
The tragedy has shaken the Grand Rapids community, leaving family, friends, and residents struggling to comprehend the loss. GRPD Chief Eric Winstrom described the scene as “a very depressing one to show up on at 9 o’clock at night,” adding that while the city has seen historic lows in violent crime, “that’s going to be no comfort at all to this family, which is going to be devastated.” For those who knew Donovan, the pain runs deep — an ordinary Thursday evening turned into a night of unimaginable heartbreak.
Donovan was more than just a name in a headline. He was a son, brother, cousin, and friend, remembered for his humor, warmth, and unwavering kindness. Friends say he had a rare gift for making others feel valued — a man whose presence brought joy and light into any room. Whether he was offering encouragement, sharing laughter, or helping someone in need, Donovan’s heart for others defined who he was. His loss leaves a silence that will be felt for a long time.
At just 26 years old, Donovan was still building his life — filled with dreams, plans, and possibilities. His death has not only shattered those hopes but has also left his loved ones with a grief that words can scarcely capture. Family members are now left to face a painful reality, one made even harder by the senselessness of the act that took him away.
In the days since the shooting, residents have gathered to honor Donovan’s memory and support his grieving family. Many have expressed frustration that such violence continues to touch communities, even as progress is made in reducing crime. His death is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the urgency of standing together to protect one another.
As police continue their investigation, the focus remains on both seeking justice and honoring Donovan’s legacy. His life will be remembered not by the circumstances of his death, but by the kindness, laughter, and compassion he shared. May his memory continue to inspire those who knew him, and may his community find strength in unity as they mourn his loss.
