ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester community is grieving the heartbreaking loss of 30-year-old Kitana Kendrick, who was fatally struck by a stray bullet in the early hours of Sunday, November 2, 2025, on Gothic Street. Her sudden passing has left family, friends, and neighbors searching for answers and coming together to honor a life that ended far too soon.
According to the Rochester Police Department (RPD), officers responded at approximately 1:50 a.m. to reports of gunshots near Pulaski Park. When they arrived, Kendrick was found with a gunshot wound to her upper body. She was immediately transported to a local hospital, but tragically, she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Investigators report that Kendrick was an innocent bystander, caught in the crossfire during a dispute on the street. Witnesses recalled hearing a loud argument and commotion before the shots were fired. Police confirmed that Kendrick was near the individuals involved in the altercation but was not participating in it. Authorities believe she was struck by a stray bullet, a tragic accident that cut short her life.
The Rochester Police Department emphasized that no suspects have been identified and that none of the individuals involved resided on Gothic Street. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact 911 to assist with the ongoing investigation.
Friends and family have begun sharing their grief and memories of Kitana online. She is remembered as a kind, gentle, and caring individual whose presence brought warmth to everyone around her. “Kitana was the most peaceful, loving soul,” one friend wrote. “Her laughter, her kindness, and her love for others will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Neighbors in the Gothic Street area expressed shock and sorrow over the incident. “It’s terrifying that something like this could happen in our neighborhood,” said a resident. “She didn’t deserve this. Our hearts are with her family and friends.”
The tragedy has resonated throughout Rochester, prompting community leaders to call for solidarity, compassion, and cooperation with law enforcement. “This is a loss that affects us all,” said an RPD spokesperson. “Kitana’s life mattered, and we must honor her memory by seeking justice and ensuring her family receives the support they need.”
As the investigation continues, the Rochester community is united in grief, remembrance, and the hope that sharing Kitana’s story will inspire greater care and awareness in the city. Her family, friends, and neighbors will forever remember her gentle spirit, her warmth, and the light she brought into their lives.
In loving memory of Kitana Kendrick, may her soul rest in peace, and may her loved ones find comfort in the memories, love, and legacy she leaves behind.