Patrick Lyoya was working to turn around his life before police officer killed him


Patrick Lyoya was the first-born son.

In his refugee family from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the role seemed to weigh on him.

Lyoya even reflected upon it in a 2020 Facebook post, saying that “I’m the first son and I usually (mess) it up but this year I’m trying pop.” He wrote he hoped to do better in life.

The life of the 26-year-old, a father of two young children, came to a tragic end April 4 during a struggle with a Grand Rapids police officer. The killing of Lyoya and the subsequent release of videos showing the encounter attracted national attention.

https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rap...illed-him.html