Jacksonville family remembers father killed outside nightclub
Share and Follow


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 Jacksonville family is mourning the death of Michael Easter, a 23-year-old father of two, who was shot and killed early Friday morning following an argument outside a local nightclub.

According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the shooting occurred just after an altercation broke out in the parking lot of Elevation Lounge as the club 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 made a really big impact,” Campbell said. “He was just a really polite and respectful young man. He made friends with everybody that he talked to.”

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 and Follow
You May Also Like
NYC alleged dine-and-dash influencer Pei Chung evicted from luxury apartment as she sits in jail

Influencer Scandal: NYC’s Pei Chung Faces Eviction and Jail Time in Dine-and-Dash Drama

Pei Chung, the social media influencer famously known for allegedly dining and…
Anti-ICE career criminal accused of tossing molotov cocktails at Los Angeles federal building

Career Criminal Opposed to ICE Accused of Molotov Cocktail Attack on Los Angeles Federal Building

A notorious yet careless criminal attempted to target agents at a federal…
TV presenter Laura Woods collapses on-air during soccer broadcast

Shocking On-Air Moment: TV Presenter Laura Woods Collapses During Live Soccer Broadcast

During live coverage of the England versus Ghana women’s soccer match in…
Trump administration says it will withhold SNAP food aid from Democrat-led states unless they provide recipient records

Trump Administration to Withhold SNAP Aid from Certain States Over Record Disclosure Dispute

In a recent development from Washington, President Donald Trump’s administration announced plans…
DOJ busts ‘Greggy’s Cult’ child exploitation network that allegedly coerced kids into self-harm

DOJ Dismantles ‘Greggy’s Cult’: Major Child Exploitation Network Uncovered, Accused of Coercing Minors into Self-Harm

On Friday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) unveiled charges against five men,…
Megyn Kelly says military showed MERCY in alleged boat-strike killings

Military’s Compassion in Alleged Boat-Strike Killings: Megyn Kelly Weighs In

Megyn Kelly has expressed strong opinions regarding the handling of alleged Venezuelan…
Cop describes recognizing Luigi Mangione when he pulled down mask at McDonald's

Police Officer Identifies Masked Luigi Mangione During McDonald’s Encounter

Last year, in an Altoona McDonald’s, a Pennsylvania police officer encountered Luigi…
Maya Lupian: 8-year-old victim killed in Stockton, California mass shooting identified; was 2 weeks away from 9th birthday

Tragic Loss: 8-Year-Old Maya Lupian Identified as Victim in Stockton Mass Shooting, Days Before 9th Birthday

In a heartbreaking incident that unfolded in Stockton, California, an 8-year-old girl…