Budding South Jersey Creative’s Life Cut Short By Bullet In Philadelphia

WEST BERLIN, NJ — A young creative standout and South Jersey resident had a bright future ahead of him, building a career with NFL Films. But Montez Hardy's life was cut short early Easter morning, when police say he was fatally shot in Philadelphia.

The 27-year-old West Berlin resident previously attended the Philadelphia Creative & Performing Arts High School. A GoFundMe will help Hady's memory live on, supporting students at the institution.

Born in Oklahoma, Hardy later attended the Philadelphia school before graduating from the Berklee College of Music with a degree in sound design and engineering, according to his obituary. Hardy loved making beats and music on his drums, as well as watching anime. And he gained a new appreciation for football as an audio engineer for NFL Films.

"Montez Hardy was a warm, fun, kind, and creative shining light in the lives of his family, friends and co-workers," the GoFundMe says. "He lost his life on Easter morning, a victim of senseless gun violence."

Officers found Hardy just after 4 a.m. April 9 on Philadelphia's North Dekalb Street, where he suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the torso, the city's police department said. He was pronounced dead shortly after at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.

The suspect is unknown, and the Homicide Detective Division continues to investigate the incident, according to Officer Miguel Torres, a spokesperson for the Philadelphia Police Department.

The GoFundMe has generated more than $11,000 as of noon Friday, with a $15,000 goal. See the fundraising page here.