Kansas City's westside neighborhood feeling loss of Lisa Lopez-Galvan

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Lisa Lopez-Galvan and her family are closely tied to Kansas City with deep roots in the city’s westside neighborhood.

They say the whole community is feeling the impact of her loss. Lopez-Galvan was shot and killed at the end of the Chiefs’ victory parade on Wednesday at Union Station.

“The impact of her loss, we’re seeing that lately with so much love and ,” said Beto Lopez, Lisa’s brother.

Beto says his family is still processing this tragedy. Not only was Lisa killed but her son Marc was struck by a bullet. He says several other family at the parade were wounded, too.

“Even dealing with this tragedy we have no doubt where she has gone,” Beto said. “We know she’s resting with others in heaven.”

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Beto said Lisa was the life of the party and a great lover of music and Hispanic culture. Her radio show A Taste of Tejano shared that love.

“Never met a stranger,” Beto said of his sister. “She just had a big heart.”

Lisa and her family also shared a great love for the Chiefs.

“I hope the Chiefs know they’ve lost one of the biggest Chiefs fans around,” Beto said.

Jackson County Legislator Manny Abarca knew Lisa Lopez-Galvan as well. Abarca was close to the gunfire yesterday, too, and took cover inside Union Station with his six-year-old daughter.

“Knowing so many people hurt weighs on my heart,” Abarca said. “She (Abarca’s daughter) doesn’t truly understand yet, but when she saw the news clips she asked if people were OK.”

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Abarca is still emotional about what happened Wednesday and said he’s determined to take action.

“This is gun violence,” Abarca said. “In this city and in this state we need to do something about it. The state has only allowed more people to have guns in this state.”

As police continue their investigation into the shooting, Lisa’s family hopes to drive change for gun laws.

“The misuse of arms is something people at every level of government can gather and address transparently and in a unified effort,” Beto said.

Lisa’s son Marc is out of the hospital, but the family says two of their relatives are still being treated. A GoFundMe to the family can be found here.

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