In Loving Memory of Johnathon Reed (1988-2025) A Life Cut Short, but Never Forgotten

In Loving Memory of Johnathon Reed (1988-2025) A Life Cut Short, but Never Forgotten

KINGSPORT, Tenn. — The city of Kingsport is reeling in grief and disbelief following the tragic death of 37-year-old Johnathon Reed, whose life was violently cut short in a deadly shooting during the early morning hours of Monday, November 10, 2025. What began as another quiet night in the city quickly turned into a scene of heartbreak and horror, leaving family, friends, and neighbors devastated — and a community searching for answers.

According to the Kingsport Police Department, officers were called to the scene after reports of gunfire were received in the early morning hours. When they arrived, they discovered Johnathon Reed suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by first responders, Reed was pronounced dead at the scene.

In the days following the shooting, investigators worked swiftly to piece together the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. On Tuesday, authorities announced the arrests of Krysten Atkins, 22, and Tyler Holly, 33, in connection with Reed’s death.

Atkins has been charged with First-Degree Murder, while Holly faces charges of Accessory After the Fact to First-Degree Murder. Both suspects are currently being held as the investigation continues, and additional details regarding the motive and events leading up to the shooting have not yet been released.

For those who knew Johnathon Reed, the loss has been almost impossible to process. Friends and family describe him as a kind, loyal, and hardworking man, someone whose presence could light up a room and whose compassion for others left a lasting mark on everyone he met.

“Johnathon was the kind of person you could always count on,” said one close friend. “He had a big heart and an even bigger smile. He didn’t deserve what happened to him. No one does.”

Reed was deeply rooted in the Kingsport community — a lifelong resident who loved his family, his friends, and his hometown. Known for his friendly demeanor and strong work ethic, he was respected by colleagues and cherished by those close to him. Friends recall his love of music, his sense of humor, and the way he always made time to help others.

“He’d give you the shirt off his back,” said a family member. “He didn’t have to know you well to care about you. That’s just the kind of person he was.”

As news of his death spread, an outpouring of grief and disbelief flooded social media. Friends and loved ones shared tributes, photos, and memories of the man they described as a “gentle soul,” a “protector,” and “a brother to everyone.” Many have expressed anger and sadness over the senselessness of the violence that took his life.

Community members have since organized a candlelight vigil in Reed’s honor, to be held later this week near the site of the shooting. The vigil will serve as both a remembrance of his life and a call for peace in a community that has seen too many lives lost to violence.

Law enforcement officials have expressed condolences to Reed’s family and vowed to pursue justice to the fullest extent of the law. “This was a senseless act that claimed a young man’s life,” one police spokesperson said. “Our detectives have worked tirelessly to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”

As the legal process moves forward, the Kingsport community continues to rally around Reed’s grieving family. Friends have established online fundraising efforts to help cover funeral expenses and to provide support for his loved ones during this painful time.

For many, the loss of Johnathon Reed serves as a stark reminder of how fleeting life can be — and how deeply violence scars not only victims but entire communities.

“He had so much life left to live,” another friend shared. “He was trying to make things better for himself and for those around him. It’s heartbreaking that his story ended this way.”

As Kingsport mourns, those who loved Johnathon are holding tight to the memories — his laughter, his kindness, and the way he made others feel like they mattered. His legacy, they say, will live on not in how he died, but in how he lived: with warmth, loyalty, and love.

Funeral arrangements for Johnathon Reed will be announced by his family in the coming days. In the meantime, the Kingsport community stands united in grief and remembrance — determined to honor his memory and to seek justice for a life taken far too soon.