New York Daily News

GUN HORROR

B’klyn man slain after vigil for Qns. shoot vic

- BY ADAM SHRIER and THOMAS TRACY

A 28-YEAR-OLD Brooklyn man was fatally shot early Saturday after a memorial wrapped up for another gun violence victim, cops and relatives said.

Nate Cummings was blasted in the neck and chest on Flatbush Ave. near Ditmas Ave. in Ditmas Park about 3:20 a.m., cops said.

“I saw close to 100 people running in every direction,” said a witness who declined to give his name.

Cummings was shot a few doors away from the Rose Fantasy Restaurant, where a memorial had been held earlier that night for a man recently shot to death in Queens.

Cummings missed the tribute because he was working his restaurant job, but arrived to meet friends and relatives after it ended.

“It was over and getting out,” said Cummings’ cousin, who declined to give his name.

“Nate had just got off work. He was coming to meet us . . . I heard the shots and looked back and saw someone on the floor, but I didn’t even know it was him.”

Cops patrolling nearby heard the shots and ran over, discoverin­g the mortally wounded man, officials said. He had been shot multiple times in the neck and chest, police sources said.

Medics rushed Cummings to Kings County Hospital but he could not be saved. There were no arrests.

The victim’s cousin said Cummings was generous to all.

“There’s nothing I can’t call that man for and know he won’t make an effort to try his best,” the cousin said. “I could call him at 4 o’clock in the morning and if he’s not at work he’s going to help.

“I never seen a bad bone in him,” he added.

Cummings lived with his grandmothe­r near where he was shot.

“He was a neighborho­od kid — he grew up right around the corner,” the cousin said. “He’s supposed to be safe here. He’s supposed to be comfortabl­e to walk around in this neighborho­od. Things like this shouldn’t be happening.”

Cummings’ Instagram page was filled with images of plates of food. Relatives had planned to gather at the restaurant where he worked Sunday to celebrate Easter.

“We were going to celebrate together,” said the victim’s 38-year-old uncle, who declined to give his name. “I’m devastated.”

“He would give everything off his back for anybody,” the uncle added. “He’d get paid and turn around and help everyone, trying to make everyone happy.”

Detectives canvassed the area Saturday morning looking for surveillan­ce video that may have captured the gunman.

 ??  ?? Nate Cummings (inset) was fatally shot early Saturday on Flatbush Ave. in Ditmas Park shortly after a memorial service wrapped up for a man recently slain in Queens.
Nate Cummings (inset) was fatally shot early Saturday on Flatbush Ave. in Ditmas Park shortly after a memorial service wrapped up for a man recently slain in Queens.
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