Chiefs’ kicker Butker makes statement, donates jersey for parade shooting victim to wear for burial

When Lisa Lopez-Galvan is laid to rest Saturday, she will be wearing Kansas City Chief’s kicker Harrison Butker’s jersey, thanks to the kicker’s timely response to the family’s request.

Lopez-Galvan, 43, lost her life after being shot during an argument between multiple alleged gunmen just after the parade events concluded during the Chiefs recent Super Bowl victory celebration outside Union Station in Kansas City. 

The family of the local radio host initially reached out on X asking where to find a white Butker Jersey for Lopez-Galvan to wear when she is laid to rest.

Butker was reportedly the mother-of-two’s favorite player, whose jersey she wore the day of the parade. 

The star kicker, whose Super Bowl performance was instrumental in the Chief’s championship win, shares a strong Catholic faith with Lopez-Galvan, who attends local Sacred Heart-Guadalupe Parish. 

According to the Kansas City Star, a friend of Father Richard Rocha, the Chiefs’ team chaplain, was made aware of the request from the family and passed the information to Rocha. The connection paid off, and a Butker representative confirmed the jersey made it to Lopez-Galvan’s Family.

Butker released a statement Tuesday regarding Lopez-Galvan’s tragic death at the parade: 

“My wife Isabelle and I are heartbroken by the murder of Lisa due to degenerate violence. Murder is a sin that cries out to God for vengeance, and I pray the men involved in this tragedy will be brought to justice. Hearing that she was a fan of my outspokenness for our shared Catholic Faith makes this even more personal. I am honored to provide a jersey to the family for her to wear. While the family is mourning their loss and grappling with their numerous injuries, I will continue to pray for their healing and the repose of Lisa’s soul.”

Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, who oversees the diocese where Lopez-Galvan lived, also shared a statement with the Catholic News Agency:

“We are surrounding her family with our love and support. She was a beloved member of our faith community. Our prayers and deepest sympathies are with her family during this sorrowful time. We take comfort in knowing that the resurrection of Our Lord is our consolation and are grateful for his promise of eternal life. We pray for the repose of her soul and healing, peace, and strength for her loved ones and our community.” 

The community has rallied around Lopez-Galvan’s family with love and support, pushing the family’s GoFundMe campaign well past its $75,000 goal. Friday, the day of her funeral, the campaign surpassed $388,000, including $100K from pop star Taylor Swift.