One week later, a memorial to Morgan Junction shooting victim

One week after three shots were fired by Morgan Junction Park, taking the life of 35-year-old Travis Hood hours later, a small memorial is there in his honor. A few dozen people gathered as it was placed there late this afternoon; we received a few calls about the gathering and went over to see what was happening. The memorial includes the logo for the Jacksonville Jaguars, a nod to the hometown Travis left a few months ago in hopes, friends say, of a safer life here. The man charged with murdering him, Lovett Chambers, remains in the King County Jail in lieu of $5 million bail, awaiting arraignment on February 8th.

SG January 28, 2012 (11:26 pm)

My husband and I were the ones who made this cross. We all watched as jamie had the honor of puttIng it in the ground. We r friends of the victims roommates and out of respect for them, the victim and his family we hope nobody removes this or vandalizes it. Thank u!!!

chuck & Sally's Van Man January 29, 2012 (12:10 am)

A touching tribute. I’m sorry for your tragic loss.

velo_nut January 29, 2012 (8:26 am)

Please dont take this the wrong way, as I’m not trying to be crass… but is football that big to some people that it is included in memorial tributes?

It’s an unfortunate loss of life, no matter what the details. My thoughts to his friends and family that the heal together post tragedy.

WSB January 29, 2012 (9:48 am)

Yes, it is.

bsmomma January 29, 2012 (10:06 am)

Someones passion is THERE passion. Whether it be music, art, dance, sports, whatever! It’s there passion. So, absolutely, football can be that big to someone.

miws January 29, 2012 (10:22 am)

velo, I’m not a sports fan myself, but would you feel any differently if, forbid, someone among your bicycling friends had been killed, and there was a bicycle incorporated into a memorial at the location of the incident?

Mike

a January 29, 2012 (12:09 pm)

How long will this be there?

really? January 29, 2012 (12:42 pm)

they’re*
points feel more emphatic when spelled correctly

cuz i just had a young frankenstein moment:
where passion…there passion

Harveyroberson January 29, 2012 (1:19 pm)

@ A
That’s just a very stupid question! RIP

Sonoma January 29, 2012 (1:33 pm)

Mike, thank you for being the voice of reason again.

SG January 29, 2012 (3:20 pm)

I would b embarrassed to say I was a west Seattle residence with some of the comments posted!!!!

Proud Democrat January 29, 2012 (4:01 pm)

R.I.P, that is a very touching memorial to a life cut short.

west seattlite January 29, 2012 (7:42 pm)

R.I.P. Travis…. I wish Seattle had given you what you had hoped for. My prayers continue to go out to your family and friends.

Bsmomma – I agree completely. Only it’s their…..

CanDo January 29, 2012 (8:11 pm)

Hi all

Just want to point out something you might not be aware of. Travis was staying in a home with children and teens that attend WS schools. He was a close family friend to these kids and they have been traumatized by the events of the past week. These kids have friends in their neighborhoods and schools who are grappling with the pain they see their friends suffering. Most, if not all of these kids have never dealt with violent death so close to home. I know a few of these kids have been on the WSB to read the story and comments and have come away quite upset at the harsh nature of some of the comments. These kids are understandably protective of their friends. I’m not in any way advocating censorship and I’m sure there are parents out there guiding their kids through this. I’m just saying that there are some youngsters in our community that could use a little sensitivity about now. Thanks

Klk January 29, 2012 (9:37 pm)

I’m not a kid, nor do I have any personal connection to the victim and I feel like I can use a little sensitivity about now myself. I too have come away quite upset at the harsh nature of some of the comments. Peace to the people affected by this tragedy.

Owlish January 29, 2012 (9:44 pm)

Thanks, CanDo, for attempting to enlighten some of these commenters to their insensitivity. I’m pretty embarrassed for my neighborhood after reading this comment thread.

RIP Travis, your life was so unfairly and tragically cut short.

Jacob January 30, 2012 (12:02 am)

Sorry in advance for being insensitive, but I don’t think that cross is really the most appropriate way to forever memorialize someone at the entrance of a public park. I’m fine with it in the short term, but perhaps Travis’s friends and family could work with the city on getting a memorial tree + nice plaque placed in the planter box instead?

j-ville January 30, 2012 (11:00 am)

Sunday was the viewing and it was very sad. Travis was deeply loved by all. I’m pleased that the jerk that did this to him is going to pay. RIP Travis, you will be missed but never forgoten

ah January 31, 2012 (9:51 pm)

Like Jacob I think a plaque and bench or tree would be a nice thing to see in the longer term. I am assuming that the cross is a temporary memorial and think its a touching gesture but one that would be uncomfortable as a permanent fixture in a neighborhood park.

WSjump February 6, 2012 (11:09 pm)

I’d like to support the suggestion of a more appropriate long-term memorial. As a homeowner in the area, I think the park has become a blight. People loiter there all day, openly consume alcohol and throw trash and cigarette butts all over the ground. Now, there is a large physical reminder of a shooting that took place there. I’m in no way diminishing the tragedy of Travis’ death, but the cross (as permanent fixture) is not a positive contribution to make in his name.