LINCOLN, Neb. — Performer Jay Hefner was killed this weekend in Lincoln, according to industry friends and associates.
A fundraiser set up by Hefner's family states that he was killed "due to a senseless act of gun violence while trying to protect his cousin from physical violence in Lincoln" while visiting his family for a birthday celebration.
The Lincoln Police Department has confirmed the shooting death.
"On Sunday, September 8, around 1:30 a.m., officers in the downtown area were alerted to a fight in the 100 block of North 11th Street," the department saidin a statement. "Upon arrival, officers located two men with gunshot wounds. Both were taken to an area hospital to receive emergency treatment.
"Despite immediate life-saving measures by medical personnel, the 24-year-old Lincoln man passed away from his injuries around 5:37 a.m."
There has been an outpouring of condolences on social media from industry colleagues regarding Hefner's passing.
"We are saddened to hear the tragic news of Jay Hefner’s passing," said Brazzers in a statement on X.com. "Our deepest condolences go out to his friends and loved ones."
Posted Kendra Sunderland, "Losing anyone in the industry hurts but I can’t believe this one. Jay was such a kind and charming guy. My favorite to work with. He brought such a good energy to set and I love the way his face lit up when he talked about his baby girl."
And Kazumi posted, "I miss you more than words can ever express. ou were not only handsome, but so driven, So fucking funny, and so kind. I remember doing your first collab and you asking a million questions, hungry to learn and get better. You were focused and driven to change your life and you were doing it. We would always tell each other we were proud of each other when we saw each other again. I’m going to really miss you brother."
This report will be updated as more information becomes available.
