A Kansas City Chiefs helmet, the crown jewel of the NFL Aug 17, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of a Kansas City Chiefs helmet against the Detroit Lions during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs are chasing their third consecutive Super Bowl title. Unfortunately, some horrible off-the-field news is sure to impact the players and coaches as they try to advance through the playoffs.

At only 50 years old, a local Missouri Sportswriter has passed away, and there isn’t much other than grim details on what might’ve transpired.

Dennis Andrew Sharkey, who covered sports for The Platte County Citizen, was found with a gunshot wound in his crashed car on Interstate 29 just outside Kansas City on Friday night, a day after his 50th birthday, according to Awful Announcing.

A group of friends and relatives of Sharkey’s gathered outside the Chiefs’ stadium on Tuesday to remember him.

“He was a great man, and he always made you smile,” Sharkey’s cousin Samantha said at the gathering. “If you saw anything, please don’t be afraid. It would help us a lot.”

Sharkey’s friends and family intend on celebrating him this Saturday when the Chiefs host the Houston Texans in the divisional round of the playoffs.

”On Saturday I’m going to march down that yellow brick road like he always did,” said his friend Sadie. “I’m going to yell extra loud, and maybe fan assistance will remove me.”

Hopefully, the truth surrounding Sharkey’s death comes to light and his family can get the closure they need.

About Qwame Skinner

Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. At Next Impulse, Qwame covers sports with the same enthusiasm he brings to his recreational basketball and softball leagues.