Advocate for the marginalized and LGBTQ+ community, Josh Kruger, met a tragic end in his Philadelphia home when he was fatally shot. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, leaving the community in shock.
Kruger, aged 39, was found with seven gunshot wounds to his chest and abdomen. Despite swift medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries at 2:13 am. Local authorities arrived at Kruger’s Point Breeze residence after a neighbor called 911 upon hearing his pleas for help and gunshots.
Josh Kruger had a remarkable journey, having triumphed over homelessness and addiction to serve as the communications director for Philadelphia’s Office of Homeless Services under Mayor Jim Kenney. In 2021, he transitioned into journalism, where he tackled issues such as homelessness, HIV, trauma, poverty, and Philadelphia’s “street economy.” His commitment to amplifying the voices of the marginalized earned him numerous accolades, including the Society of Professional Journalists’ First Place Award for Newspaper Commentary in Pennsylvania and the Edith Hughes Emerging Journalist Award.
The LGBTQ+ community, in particular, mourns the loss of Kruger, who never shied away from addressing issues like police violence, attacks on trans and queer individuals, and the societal neglect of homeless and addicted Philadelphians. Mayor Jim Kenney expressed his shock and sorrow over Kruger’s untimely demise, emphasizing his deep love for the city and its residents.
Kendall Stephens, a trans woman and neighbor of Kruger’s, recalled his unwavering support during a hate crime incident in 2020. She described Kruger’s journalism as a form of activism that shed light on the hardships faced by vulnerable communities, making him a beloved figure in the fight for justice.
The tragic loss of Josh Kruger has left the LGBTQ+ community and the city of Philadelphia in mourning, as they remember his tireless dedication to making a difference and amplifying the voices of those who needed it most.