PORTLAND, Ore. -- Friends of Jacob Shroyer are coping with the loss of a man they describe as a gentle soul, who loved music and making others feel beautiful inside and out.
Jeremy Abe was one of the many people who got terrible news Tuesday night. His friend and coworker had died in the hospital.
“We had all expected him to pull through and just like, when is the next surgery? The hope, and the fact that all of sudden there wasn't any was just shocking,” said Abe.
Portland Police said it was a random crime. Shroyer was stabbed multiple times by someone he didn't know. The suspect is 33-year-old Michael Williams. Police said he is in jail.
A small memorial sits at the Pacific Tower Apartments in the Old Town District, where it all happened a little over a week ago.
“He was such a sweetheart,” said Bruce Ross, Shroyer’s friend and neighbor.
Friends say he was well-known and well-loved in the LGBTQ community, and the Portland community as a whole. At CC Slaughters, Shroyer shined as a DJ.
“He made everybody happy on the dance floor and outside of the dance floor,” said Ross.
“He's somebody who dedicated his life to making sure everybody felt beautiful both inside and out,” said Daniel Pulver, a coworker and friend.
Shroyer also worked at Bishops Barbershop. A small memorial sits in front of the door with people writing heartfelt messages.
Christopher Rosimo regularly visited Shroyer to get his hair cut. He remembers showing Shroyer a picture of his family.
“He's like you and your family have beautiful smiles. He's like let's see if I can make you look as good, as happy as you felt in that picture,” said Rosimo.
Right now, Shroyer's friends are getting through as best they can.
“I want to encourage everybody to get out find some music, find a DJ, and just dance,” said Pulver.
Because Pulver said that is what Jacob would want.
“He will surely be missed here,” said Ross.
Friends are planning to hold a celebration of life at CC Slaughters on Saturday.
If you'd like to help pay for the medical bills or the funeral expenses you can visit the crowdfunding website for Shroyer.