Fans of a well-known Hmong singer Xy Lee took to social media to mourn his loss following Sunday’s mass shooting in a Southeast Fresno backyard where friends and families had gathered to watch a football game.
The 23-year-old singer was one of four people killed. Six others were wounded in what one police officer described as a “scene of chaos” on the 5300 block of East Lamona Avenue near Ceasar Avenue. Police are still searching for the suspects.
Lee’s YouTube videos have received millions of views. His channel has more than 90,000 subscribers.
On Lee’s YouTube channel, one fan wrote, “So sad that you’re not here. You will be missed. For those who took your life and others go to hell.” Another wrote, “We will miss you so, so, so much brother Xy. Rest well. We will meet again.”
Hmong Talk, a Facebook community, posted the news online citing confirmation from Lee’s family. “This is truly a heart breaking time for everyone involved. Thank you for all the beautiful music that you have have created . You will truly be miss! RIP!” the post said.
Hmong Talk said another Hmong singer, JN Vang, was also shot and is in the hospital. “The singer JN Vang was also confirmed to be one of the victim that was shot at the gathering! Fortunately he is currently undergoing surgery right now! Hoping and praying for a fast recovery!” the post said.
At a news conference Monday, Pao Yang, the head of the non-profit The Fresno Center, acknowledged that two of the shooting victims are well known singers in the Hmong community.
“They come out and perform to our mental health clients, you know, every year,” said Yang. “A lot of these folks are scheduled to perform at the Hmong New Year.”
Hmong New Year celebrations, which attract thousands of people to the region, begin next month and culminate with a week-long festival at the Fresno Fairgrounds.
Yang said the community is in mourning.
“It’s a dark day in our community, not only in our Hmong community but I think in our Fresno community,” said Yang.
The Coroner’s Office has released the names of the four victims who lost their lives. The others who died are: Phia Yang, 31; Kou Xiong, 38 and Kalaxang Thao, 40. All are from Fresno. Xiong lived at the house where the shooting happened. Law enforcement has not yet released the names of the six victims in recovery.
