An Irishman has died after he was shot outside the restaurant he owned in the US.
Shaun Brady was shot during an incident in Kansas City, Missouri, on Wednesday evening.
It is understood that Mr Brady, a father, was born and raised in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, and studied in Dublin before moving to the US.
He was the owner of Brady's KC, an Irish-American restaurant in the Brookside region of the city, near the Missouri/Kansas border.
Local media has reported that Mr Brady had been trying to prevent someone from breaking into a car.
Kansas City police officers responded to the restaurant's address on Wednesday night on a report of a shooting.
A friend of Mr Brady told FOX4KC: “The Irish community is totally stunned. He was a beloved figure, a native of Ireland, just a generous do anything for anyone kind of guy, so, a lot of us again, stunned, praying, angry, wondering why.”
'Our hearts are broken'
Kansas City mayor Quinton Lucas wrote on social media: "Like many in our community, I am heartbroken to learn of the death of Shaun Brady. I have met him, laughed with him, heard just a bit of his and his family's story, and was inspired by the business and the community he was building in Kansas City.
"I grieve for and express my sincerest condolences to his family and all who knew him."
A statement from Mr Brady's restaurant said: "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."
Mr Brady was often featured as part of Kansas City's 'Irish Fest' event, which is due to take place this weekend.
Festival organisers said their "hearts are absolutely broken to hear of the tragic loss of our dear friend and colleague".
"Shaun was not only a large part of the Kansas City Irish Fest Family, his restaurant was a place where many in the Irish community gathered. It was one of Shaun's greatest gifts to bring people together with his culinary creations," they said.
"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. 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."
A fellow chef paid tribute to Mr Brady on social media, writing: "I still don’t know how to register this. I feel like it’s all a dream. Shaun you are a one of a kind and bigger-than-life kinda guy, you were always happy to help any good cause. I am a much richer person to have known you. I promise you will never be forgotten. Love you my friend may you RIP."
The Department of Foreign Affairs said it was aware of this tragic incident and stands ready to provide consular assistance.
Cooking career
Shortly after his restaurant opened in 2022, Mr Brady told the Kansas City Star about why he got into cooking.
He explained how he first started by watching his grandmother and being "nosy" in kitchens which belonged to friends.
“My mammy was very, very against me being a chef. It took her quite a few years to come around,” he told the publication.
“We weren’t put up on the pedestals like we are now. Chefs had a history of drug and alcohol problems. It was just a different time."
His passion for cooking was furthered when he went travelling, with Mr Brady saying that if he found a restaurant he enjoyed, he would "go back the next day and knock on the door, and say 'do you need help?'.
“I would offer to work for free and watch what was going on in the kitchen.”
He had moved to Kansas City in 2013 after initially living in Chicago with his wife Kate, who he met in Ireland while she was travelling.
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