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Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Family of army veteran killed in San Antonio shooting launches fundraiser

A screenshot of the GoFundMe fundraising page created for Kyung Chang Lee. Donations are being collected to support the family of Lee, who was killed in the San Antonio, Texas, shooting. [GoFundMe capture]
A screenshot of the GoFundMe fundraising page created for Kyung Chang Lee. Donations are being collected to support the family of Lee, who was killed in the San Antonio, Texas, shooting. [GoFundMe capture]

A fundraising campaign has begun for the family of Kyung Chang Lee, an Army veteran and Korean victim killed in a shooting near a hookah lounge in San Antonio, Texas. The effort follows the Feb. 18 attack outside “MYST Hookah + Ultra Lounge.”

According to relatives, Lee, also known as Jimmy, was a devout Christian who served 14 years in the U.S. Army. In addition, he spent a significant portion of his service stationed in South Korea and deployed to Iraq. As news of his death spread, members of the Korean community in San Antonio and friends began organizing memorials and support efforts.

The family recently created a GoFundMe page titled “Help KC’s Family After Tragic Loss.” The funds will support Lee’s wife and their two children, ages 12 and 3.

In the online post, relatives said the sudden tragedy left the family in shock. “We lost not only a husband and father, but also our sole provider,” they wrote. Therefore, they asked for community support to help sustain the household. They added that any contribution would provide meaningful assistance during this period.

Family members said Lee served honorably in the U.S. Army for 14 years. Moreover, he was active in church and maintained strong friendships. Those who knew him described him as outgoing and approachable. In addition, they said he often stepped forward to help others in need and was regarded as “a brother-like friend.” Above all, relatives said he prioritized his family.

“The family lost not only its financial foundation, but also the husband and father who filled each day with laughter,” relatives stated.

The shooting occurred at approximately 1:24 a.m. on Feb. 18 outside MYST Hookah + Ultra Lounge in San Antonio. Authorities said a man who had been removed from the establishment after an altercation returned with others in a vehicle. He then opened fire on people gathered on an outdoor patio.

About 20 shots rang out. As a result, Lee and Derek Dashaun Brown, 27, suffered fatal gunshot wounds to the upper body.

Video recorded shortly after the incident circulated on social media. Witnesses said they heard gunfire immediately upon entering the building and saw two men collapse. Police arrested two suspects and charged them with felony murder. Investigators continue to examine the motive.

The family of the Korean shooting victim also expressed condolences to the relatives of the other victim. Furthermore, they asked that any related fundraising information be shared so they could offer support. “We want to extend comfort to another family enduring the same pain,” they said.

BY HANKIL KANG  [kang.hankil@koreadaily.com]