Tributes to ‘loyal and funny’ man killed in US shooting
BENJAMIN TUCKER, 27, SHOT DEAD WHILE AT A CONVENIENT STORE
A HAMPSHIRE man who was visiting family in the USA has tragically been shot dead while at a convenience store.
Benjamin Tucker, 27, who lived in London but grew up in the Fleet and Church Crookham areas died in the early hours of Sunday, April 24 after being shot in the US city of Savannah, Georgia.
Ben, a keen sportsman who was a former club champion at Avondale Tennis Club in Church Crookham and a valued member of Yateley Cricket Club, had been on a month-long visit to family in the state when the fatal shooting occurred.
Reports from the USA state that Savannah Police were called to the Timesaver Store located at 502 W. Bay St, Savannah at around 1.20am on Sunday following reports of a shooting.
Ben, a former pupil of Salesian School in Farnborough, was taken to hospital with a life-threatening gunshot wound, where he later passed away.
A second victim of the shooting, 32-year-old Henry McDonough, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Reports in the USA state that detectives have arrested 28-yearold Georgiamae Lawrence on a charge of murder.
As a lifelong Liverpool FC fan, Ben’s friends and family celebrated his life with a round of applause during the 27th minute of the Liverpool v Villarreal Champions League Semi-Final on Wednesday night (April 28).
Paying tribute his family described him as a “smart, loyal and funny man.”
Speaking before the match they said: “On Saturday 24rd April 2022, a dear son, brother and friend was cruelly taken from us. Benjamin Tucker, aged 27, was randomly shot dead in Savannah, USA whilst visiting his family.
“Ben was a lifelong Liverpool fan based in London and loved the club immensely.
“As a show of solidarity to his family, we plan to celebrate the life of Ben Tucker by applauding during the 27th minute of the Liverpool v Villarreal game tonight. Please stand by his family and friends by joining us with a minute’s applause.
“Ben was a smart, loyal and funny man. He was always there making others around him happier whether it be through laughter or care.
“You’ll Never Walk Alone Ben.” Friend Josh Bothe, 27, helped lead the calls for his fellow supporters to take part in the applause for Ben and help spread the word online. Since sharing the details on Twitter, Josh said the likes of footballers Jordan Henderson and Jamie Carragher and the YouTuber KSI retweeted it.