Raleigh, N.C. — A tragic workplace incident at a Raleigh restaurant has culminated in the death of the chef, who had been critically injured following a shooting that also left another employee wounded and a third dead. Police confirmed Sunday that George Colom Jr., 34, the executive chef at Coquette Brasserie, succumbed to his injuries sustained during the violent episode within the establishment last Friday.
According to the police investigation, the shootings seem to have originated from an internal dispute, though specific details about the altercation have not been released. Authorities are expected to provide more information as the investigation progresses.
On the day of the incident, staff members had gathered for a routine pre-shift meeting which unexpectedly turned violent. Jonathan Aguilar Vega, another Coquette employee, described the scene. “We were just starting our shift, celebrating a bartender’s birthday with a cake when suddenly, shots were fired,” Vega told local media. Despite being shot in the hand, Vega was treated at a local hospital and released the same day. He expressed disbelief over the incident, noting that there was no apparent animosity towards Colom from other staff.
The violence led to the death of 26-year-old Jonathan Mark Schaffer, identified as the fatal victim of Friday’s shooting. Schaffer, who had longstanding ties to the hospitality industry, was remembered by his colleagues and by those in his professional network as a dedicated and kind-hearted individual.
In the wake of his son’s involvement and the subsequent fatal shooting, George Colom Sr. issued a heartfelt statement expressing his family’s profound grief and desire for peace as they faced the impending loss of their son. “We anticipate the worst and wish to find peace in solitude as we come to terms with this tragedy,” Colom Sr. said.
The shooting caused significant disruption in the North Hills area, a bustling hub for shopping and dining, as police cordoned off the scene to conduct their investigation. The commotion also prompted temporary lockdowns at several nearby schools.
Local authorities continue to investigate the motives behind the shooting and are reviewing all details leading up to the events. The community and the families affected await further details, hoping for clarity and closure from this distressing occurrence.