Kentucky teen Da’Jon Hayes-Burr is being remembered for the courage he showed long before tragedy claimed his life. The 15-year-old Louisville teenager was fatally shot on Saturday, July 25, only three months after surviving a stabbing while stepping in to protect a 12-year-old girl from sexual harassment.
According to WAVE News, Louisville Metro Police responded around 8:20 p.m. to a reported shooting in the Shawnee neighborhood. Officers found Da’Jon suffering from a gunshot wound, and he was transported to a hospital, where he later died. Police arrested a 14-year-old boy and charged him with one count of murder. Authorities have not publicly identified the accused teenager because of his age, and police have not announced a motive. The investigation remained ongoing in the latest reporting.
For Da’Jon Hayes-Burr’s family, the killing came after a year in which the teenager had already survived an act of violence and become known across Louisville for what he did in response.
In a statement reported by WAVE News, his family described his death as “tragic and senseless” before reflecting on the teenager they had lost.
“Da’Jon was a remarkable young man whose courage touched the lives of so many,” the family said. “His mother is facing the unimaginable heartbreak of burying her firstborn son. No parent should ever have to endure this kind of pain, and no family should have to experience such a devastating loss.”
The courage his family referenced became public on April 18 during Thunder Over Louisville, the Kentucky Derby Festival’s opening celebration. The Kentucky Derby Festival confirmed the 2026 event featured its annual air show and fireworks program along Louisville’s waterfront. After the festivities, Da’Jon and his friends encountered a situation that would change his life.
According to WAVE News, Da’Jon Hayes-Burr said he heard a man speaking inappropriately to 12-year-old Bristol Staisel after the event. Bristol’s mother called for help, and Da’Jon and the friends with him stepped in. Police later identified the man as 45-year-old Vasilis Sakellaridis. During the confrontation, Da’Jon was stabbed in the stomach.
Da’Jon later explained to WAVE why he could not simply walk away.
“Since I got a little sister, I wanted…if something happened to my little sister, I’d want somebody to help,” he said while recovering from the stabbing.
Even after being hospitalized, his attention remained on Bristol. When his mother asked whether he had a message for the girl, Da’Jon replied, “I hope she’s alright.”
Police records showed that Sakellaridis was arrested following the April incident and charged with first degree assault, fleeing or evading police, disorderly conduct and public intoxication. Arrest records said officers recovered a knife and homemade brass knuckles while taking him into custody. Sakellaridis pleaded not guilty at his April arraignment.
Da’Jon Hayes-Burr recovered from his injuries, and the Louisville Metro Council later recognized him for his actions. Reporting from The Guardian says the council presented him with a proclamation honoring what it called his extraordinary courage, compassion and selflessness. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear also sent Da’Jon a letter in May thanking him for his courage and included a challenge coin recognizing his bravery.
That recognition took on a painful new meaning following the July shooting.
Da’Jon’s family asked the community to remember him by “choosing kindness, standing up for others, and helping us put an end to the senseless violence that continues to take the lives of our young people.”
The family also made clear that his story should not be reduced to the violence that ended his life.
“Da’Jon will always be remembered as a hero, a loving son, a cherished family member, and a young man whose courage will never be forgotten,” the family said.
Da’Jon Hayes-Burr was preparing to enter his sophomore year of high school. A fundraiser has been created for his family to help his mother and relatives with funeral expenses following his death.
Beshear also publicly mourned Da’Jon after the shooting. In a statement, the governor reflected on the teenager whose bravery he had recognized only months earlier.
“Britainy and I are praying for Da’Jon’s family and all those affected by this tragedy,” Beshear said. “Da’Jon was a child of God whose life was taken far too soon, and his bravery and selflessness will leave a lasting impact on the Louisville community and our commonwealth.”
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain limited publicly because the person charged is a minor. Police said they would not release additional information at this stage of the investigation due to the accused teenager’s age. No publicly confirmed motive had been announce.
Months before his death, Da’Jon Hayes-Burr was confronted with a moment when someone younger than him needed help. At only 15, he chose to step forward. His family is now asking Louisville to let that decision define his legacy, not the violence that followed.
