PHOENIX — A Camelback High School teacher and track coach has died after being shot outside a Phoenix business Friday.
At about 6 p.m. Friday, Phoenix police were called to 12th Street and Maryland Avenue for reports of a shooting.
Police later identified the man as 30-year-old, David Denogean.
When officers arrived they located David outside with several gunshot wounds.
He was taken to a hospital in extremely critical condition, where he later died from his injuries.
The family has set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for funeral expenses.
"We used to call him the happy buffalo. He had that great hair and just a great presence, the life of the party type of guy," said Frank Denogean, David's dad.
Anyone who knew David says he was the nicest guy.
"David's just a big teddy bear. Anytime I think about David, I just think about — always want a big hug and just the nicest man in the room," said Chad Dunn, a family friend.
The Phoenix Union High School District has confirmed to ABC15 that David was a long-term substitute and track and field coach at Camelback High School. David also worked part-time security at The Rebel Lounge.
"It was just a sudden drop in how I felt, and still even feeling as I think about it. I couldn't imagine him being taken so young," said Joe Maier, a friend of David.
Now, David's friends and family are hoping someone will come forward with more information to find out who shot and killed him.
"We hope that person is brought to justice. David didn't deserve to die that way. And nobody does. Nobody does," said Frank. "No parent should have to bury their kid. But unfortunately we're going to have to. We're just asking the community if they know anything out there."
The district released the following statement Saturday:
"The Phoenix Union and Camelback communities send our sincere condolences to the family of guest teacher and coach David Denogean. We will provide the support our staff and students need during this time of loss."
David was walking his dog when the shooting occurred, police say, though it is currently unknown why he was shot.
Police say a male suspect has not been apprehended.
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n Friday, November 25, 2022 at approximately 6:12 p.m, David Denogean was walking his dog northbound on N. 12th Street when he was approached and killed by an unknown male. pic.twitter.com/wO2PDkhgyD
This incident is currently under investigation.
