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Who was Ryan Carson? NYC activist fatally stabbed by 'unhinged' man once talked a mugger down from robbing him

Ryan Carson and his girlfriend were waiting at a bus stop at Malcolm X Boulevard just before 4 am when the man attacked him

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK: The Bedford-Stuyvesant community in Brooklyn is mourning the death of 32-year-old Ryan Carson, a compassionate activist and talented poet, who tragically fell victim to a brutal attack in the early hours of Monday, October 2.

Friends and acquaintances remember him as a big-hearted individual and the "smartest guy in the room" who once talked a mugger out of robbing him.

What led to the attack?

The fatal incident occurred just before 4 am as Carson and his girlfriend were waiting at the B38 bus stop at Lafayette Avenue and Malcolm X Boulevard. The couple had just left a wedding when a stranger, described as unhinged, approached them and initiated a senseless attack.

He was stabbed multiple times in the chest during the horrific assault, which left him mortally wounded. Carson's roommate, Tom Krantz, who had known him since 2012, expressed his shock and grief over the "horrific, brutal murder" of someone who had worked tirelessly to make the city a better place.

Krantz described Carson as a dedicated activist focused on sustainability and environmental policies, emphasizing “how much he actually did for the entire city and for his friends."

“He’s really… like the epicenter of an entire community that he created, that he brought together. I don’t think anyone is exaggerating when they say he would give the shirt off his back,” the roommate said. “He was the guy that bent over backward time and time again to be there with his friends."

'The loudest and smartest guy in the room!'

Carson, originally from the Boston area, came to New York in 2010 to attend Pratt Institute. According to Krantz, his parents, particularly his tugboat captain mother, played a significant role in inspiring his passion for activism and community involvement.

Known for his "gregarious" nature and intelligence, Carson was often the “loudest and smartest guy in the room,” recalled Krantz, as per New York Post.

He once embarked on a 500-mile walk across New York “to raise awareness to pass legislation for the institution of the first overdose prevention facility in the state,” claimed friend and former classmate Alex Harristhal, 29. In addition to his activism, Carson was a published poet, and one of his poems, titled 'Anxiety', touched on the fear of inconveniencing others with his own death. 

One of his close friends, Acadia Cutschall, shared a memorable incident when Carson talked a potential mugger out of robbing him and even offered the individual some money. Cutschall believed that if given the chance, Carson would have extended a helping hand to the person responsible for his untimely death. “He would probably help out a guy like that,” she said.

'NYC, what a disgrace!'

Internet users and individuals acquainted with Carson grieved his death. A user tweeted, "This is gutting. An awful tragedy. Ryan did so much for us." Another added, "Awful very sad and a huge loss!"

A third claimed, "RIP Ryan Carson so sad.. Stabbed to death for no reason.. @ericadamsfornyc NYC what a disgrace!" "Ryan and I always had arguments because of our opposite political views but he was a good guy that cares for people around him!! Rest in Peace man," another stated.

"This is heartbreaking. My heart goes out to his family," said a user.