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Community Rallies Around 'Lightning Bug' Gym Owner, Boxer Killed In Baltimore Mass Shooting

An East Baltimore community is in mourning following the murder of a beloved gym owner, prominent boxer, and doting father in a mass shooting earlier this month.

Ernest Hall.

Ernest Hall.

Photo Credit: @erniebug
Ernest Hall

Ernest Hall

Photo Credit: YouTube/Gloves to Guns

Ernest Hall, 33, was shot along with five others, including two teenagers, shortly after midnight on Thursday, March 23, in the 2800 block of Edmondson Avenue, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

In response, the community he called home for his entire life is rallying to support his family and three children, who were left behind after the needless murder.

“Ernie ‘Lightning Bug’ Hall was leaving a local store in Baltimore Maryland when he was cowardly shot in a mass shooting event and tragically killed,” organizers who created a GoFundMe for his family stated. “Four other youths were also shot in the event including a 15-year-old child whom we ask that you also keep in your prayers.”

Hall was known throughout the community both for his exploits in the ring and for owning the Lightning Fit Gym on Morton Street in Baltimore, which was the culmination of his lifelong dream, built alongside his family, which now passes on to his family.

According to the organizer of the fundraiser, any money raised will be split between his children and trusts that have been established on their behalf.

“Ernest was not just an exceptional boxer, coach, or gym owner... he was the type of person that when you met him, and as soon as you met him, even in a small passing interaction, you could immediately feel and see he was a shining light,” Araf Al Ndee Al Apache said.

“He changed you, or at least changed your day just from his amazing spirit. He was a true King of his family, a renowned Baltimore community leader, a fierce anti-gun violence advocate, a beloved youth advocate and a loving father.”

Anyone interested in donating to the fundraiser for Ernest “Lightning Bug” Hall can do so here.

“He changed countless troubled inner-city children's lives through boxing and sports therapy giving them confidence and showing them a different road to travel while they navigated through Baltimore City's violent landscape,” organizers said.

“Ernie has already earned his title belt, he is now at peace with his fellow Champions, however, his children are here with all of us so we ask on behalf of them and on behalf of the creator of us all.” 

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