KANSAS CITY – Shaun Brady, owner of Brady's KC restaurant in Brookside, was taking out the trash Wednesday evening when he was shot and killed after encountering a group of people near a car, says KC police.
His death, coming two days before the KC Irish Fest opens, has sent a shockwave through Kansas City's historic Irish community. Brady hailed from Ireland himself, and was a well-known chef, restaurateur and pub owner in Kansas City.
Organizers said a big tradition of the Irish fest each year is the Kansas City Irish Breakfast on Sunday during festival weekend. It was created by Brady, who also served as head chef.
"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," organizers said in the statement.
Wednesday night, KCPD says Brady was shot after engaging with a group of people near a car behind the restaurant at 63rd and Rockhill. Responding officers attempted to save him, to no avail. The department says detectives are interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage.
KCPD is asking anyone has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS.
There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.
Irish Fest kicks off Friday at Crown Center and Washington Square Park. Organizers say the event is dedicated to promoting the culture, music, character and history of Ireland and the Irish people who call Kansas City home.