As protests over the police killings of Black people continue around the country, Louisville, Kentucky, is mourning David McAtee, the much-loved owner of a popular barbecue business, who was fatally shot after police and the Kentucky National Guard fired into a crowd early Monday morning.

McAtees Yayas BBQ Shack was a fixture on one of west Louisvilles most popular corners. Crowds gathered there, where he was shot, later Monday to grieve and demand justice.

I always wanted to be in this spot, and when the opportunity came, I took it, McAtee said in an interview with the local blog West of Ninth in February. I have always been blessed with the skills to cook. I didnt need anything else. People have to eat every single day, and all I need is my skills.

Those who knew McAtee, 53, have remembered his generosity, kindness and warmth. Odessa Riley, his mother, told the Louisville Courier-Journal that her son was a community pillar. He was also known to give free meals to police officers, she said.

He left a great legend behind. He was a good person. Everybody around him would say that, she said. My son didnt hurt nobody.

Jason Green, a witness to the shooting and a Yayas BBQ customer, told local station WLKY , Theres nothing bad to say about this man.