TEXAS — In the early morning hours of March 1, Kelson Li and his co-worker Jorge Pederson were out in the entertainment district of Austin. Li said he went to catch up with another friend before gunshots started ringing out, killing three innocent people and injuring over a dozen.
“I couldn’t find George,” Li said. “And that’s what really worried me.”
In those moments after hearing gunfire, Li ran back to Buford’s bar, where he last saw Pederson. He said the scene was chaotic and hard to unsee.
“When I walked into Buford’s, I saw… people clinging on for their lives,” said Li.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said in a press conference that Pederson was taken off life support. He died from gunshot wounds sustained at the scene.
It’s clear talking to the friends of Jorge Pederson that he was brave. He sold his business to pursue a job in Austin and was on track to become a professional MMA fighter. It was a dream he had been working for several years to accomplish.
Pederson moved to Austin just a couple of weeks before the shooting. Li said he only knew Pederson for a short time — two weeks, to be exact. The two met at work, becoming friends quickly. Li said Pederson inspired him.
“He brought a lot of light and joy,” said Li.
Pederson’s friends back in Minnesota told Spectrum News he was the greatest person, lighting up the room with his humor.
“He would not hold anything against you,” said Reshal Malik, a longtime friend. “And he was one of those people who were just pleasant, down to earth and just wonderful.”
Malik said on March 24, they’re holding a fight in honor of their dear friend because that’s what Jorge would want.