Jacksonville family remembers father killed outside nightclub
Share this @internewscast.com

At a Father’s Day balloon release for Michael Easter, his young son held tightly to his balloon, wanting hold onto his dad’s memory.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A family in Jacksonville is grieving the loss of 23-year-old Michael Easter, a father of two, who was fatally shot after a dispute erupted early Friday morning outside a nightclub.

As reported by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the incident took place shortly after a confrontation in the parking area of Elevation Lounge as the venue was closing.

Witnesses reported that Easter got into a car with another person and, moments later, gunfire rang out as the vehicle was driving away.

Police found Easter near the car at a nearby gas station on Norwood Avenue with gunshot wounds and later died.

Easter’s mother, Tracy Campbell, said her son was known for his charisma, kindness and devotion to his family.

“He left a significant impression,” Campbell noted. “He was a very courteous and respectful young man. He befriended everyone he encountered.”

Campbell described the chaos and disbelief that followed the shooting.

“We immediately went to the hospital,” she said. “It was just really crazy. It was unbelievable.”

Easter’s two young sons, ages 7 and 4, are now left clinging to memories of their father.

Family members gathered at one of Easter’s favorite fishing spots near the Oceanway Community Center to honor his memory and speak with First Coast News.

Campbell said she hopes people remember her son for the happiness he brought to others.

“Don’t forget the good, happy Michael,” she said. “Don’t focus on that night, because that night shouldn’t have happened.”

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the investigation is ongoing. No arrests have been made.

Elevation Lounge management told First Coast News they hate that this happened and said security asked all parties to leave the property before the shooting occurred.

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

The family has also set up a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses. They say they are thankful for all the support so far.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
King Charles highlights US-UK bond in speech to Congress noting 'times of great uncertainty'

King Charles Strengthens US-UK Alliance Amid Global Uncertainty in Historic Congress Address

WASHINGTON — King Charles III addressed the U.S. Congress, acknowledging “times of…
After I-Team exposes scandal of UIC drug test lab in marijuana DUI cases, questions grow over who's holding labs accountable

UIC Drug Lab Scandal Unveiled: Who Ensures Accountability in Marijuana DUI Testing?

CHICAGO (WLS) — A key laboratory previously relied upon by prosecutors for…
Katy Perry looks to build California youth camp, neighbors may have other plans

Katy Perry’s Ambitious California Youth Camp Proposal Faces Neighborhood Opposition

In a bid to create a transformative youth experience, a prominent pop…
Defiant James Comey breaks silence on second criminal indictment

James Comey Speaks Out for the First Time on Recent Criminal Charges

In a powerful and defiant response, former FBI Director James Comey addressed…
$500M superyacht owned by Russia's richest man passes through Strait of Hormuz

Russia’s Wealthiest Tycoon Navigates $500M Superyacht Through Strategic Strait of Hormuz

A luxury yacht owned by a prominent ally of Vladimir Putin recently…
South Korea's ex-President Yoon sentenced to 7 years for charges including resisting arrest

Former South Korean President Yoon Receives 7-Year Sentence for Resisting Arrest and Corruption Charges

A South Korean appeals court handed down a seven-year prison sentence to…
Teen’s roadside cold case death probed as homicide as police officer emerges as person of interest: report

Police Investigate Teen’s Mysterious Roadside Death as Homicide, Officer Under Scrutiny

Over twenty years following the tragic death of a teenager in North…
Supreme Court tosses Louisiana House map in major Voting Rights Act decision

Supreme Court Overturns Louisiana House Map: Landmark Victory for Voting Rights Act

WASHINGTON — In a landmark decision on Tuesday, the Supreme Court invalidated…

Mamdani Labels Missed Deadline a ‘Historic’ Crisis, Seeks State Bailout Amid Collectivism Debate

New York City’s mayor, Zohran Mamdani, a self-proclaimed democratic socialist, has made…
Scott Peterson murder case: Los Angeles Innocence project plans appeal after new evidence rejected by judge

Los Angeles Innocence Project to Appeal Scott Peterson Murder Case Following Judge’s Rejection of New Evidence

A judge in California has rejected Scott Peterson’s bid to introduce new…
Pennsylvania mother of three fatally shot while allegedly trying to protect woman outside bar: report

Tragic Shooting in Pennsylvania: Brave Mother of Three Killed Defending Another Woman Outside Bar

A mother of three from Pennsylvania tragically lost her life in what…
Trump complains Iran 'can't get their act together' and 'sign a nonnuclear deal' as war passes two-month mark

Trump Criticizes Iran’s Delay in Non-Nuclear Deal Amid Ongoing Conflict: A Two-Month Update

Early Wednesday, President Trump issued a stern warning to Iranian leaders, urging…