Community Pays Tribute To Philly DJ Shot In The Head At Nightclub

PHILADELPHIA, PA — When reports broke that beloved Philadelphia DJ John Hershock, 38, was in "extremely critical" condition after being shot in the head in Chinatown overnight Wednesday, tributes began to pour in as family and friends hold out hope for a miracle.

"When my sister passed away John Hershock reached out to volunteer his time and DJ for her benefit for free," Hershock's friend Alyce Marie wrote in a public Facebook post Wednesday afternoon.

"At the time, he didn’t even really know me that well… but that didn’t matter to him at all," she continued. "He told me that was his favorite part of his job. That is just the kind of person he was! The most kind, genuine soul you could ever meet!"

Hershock was left in "extremely critical" after the shooting on Appletree Street around 3 a.m. Wednesday, according to multiple reports which cite police.

Police told FOX29 that apparently, Hershock was leaving a club with two friends when an argument broke out and gunfire ensued.

"Witnesses also told police they heard a gunshot, then saw a group of possibly 10 men flee on foot from the scene," the outlet reported. Patch reached out to the Philadelphia Police Department for more information.

When he arrived at the hospital, Hershock remained unconscious with a "non-survivable brain injury, which is a tragedy," Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small told NBC10 Philadelphia.

Just days before the shooting, Hershock had posted a tribute on Facebook to his partner to celebrate their two-year anniversary.

"Happy birthday to the girl that showed me I could love again," he wrote. "Two years ago when I met you on that random night that I picked up a shift and you picked up a shift my whole view of beauty changed ... Thankfully I worked up the nerve to shoot my shot and luckily you liked this old dusty man enough to make me a little part of your life ... You trusted me and I’ll forever hold a spot in my heart for you."

The owner of Nick's Roast Beef, a restaurant that appears to have employed Hershock, shared their own tribute.

"Words can’t really describe a guy like John Hershock," Matthew Rossi wrote. "He has always given his all into everything he believed in and did. While nobody’s perfect, this guy’s about as genuine of a good person as you could find."

A friend of Hershock's named Alyssa Max shared screenshots of a text exchange with Hershock, writing that he "messaged me daily just to check on me & remind me of my worth anytime someone made me question myself."

Authorities investigating the shooting say they're interviewing witnesses and are following up on all leads, according to ABC6.

Police urge anyone with information related to a crime to dial or text 215.686.TIPS (8477) or email tips@phillypolice.com.