INDIANAPOLIS – The Kansas City Chiefs coach took to the podium Tuesday with a message that resonated beyond the soccer world.
Andy Reid paid tribute to Lisa Lopez Galvan, the woman with Mexican roots who died a couple of weeks ago during the Super Bowl title celebration. The strategist asked Americans to find ways to avoid such an event, in which a celebration ends in a shooting and tragedy.
It was the first time anyone from the Chiefs organization has spoken publicly about the February 14 shooting that killed Lopez Galvan and injured 22 others. The team had previously issued a written statement.
“I would like to share my condolences with the Galvan and Lopez families for the loss of Lisa, and also with the people of Kansas City,” Reid said at the start of his press conference at the scouting event known as combine, which is held in Indianapolis. “She was a personality over there and a very good human being, more than anything. We will all miss her. I know her family will miss her.”
General manager Brett Veach ratified those sentiments immediately after taking Reid’s place at the podium.
Two people, Dominic M. Miller and Lyndell Mays, have been charged with second-degree murder. The 43-year-old woman had two children.
The parade was meant to celebrate another great achievement by the Chiefs. The last team to have strung together Super Bowl titles was New England, in 2003 and 2004.
But instead of the celebration having a joyous outcome, it ended with regret.