YouTuber Danny Stranger got shot outside a gas station while leaving his stream running. His chat slowly realizes what happened.
The 38-year-old father left his YouTube livestream running while going out to buy snacks. A few seconds later, Danny G. Engstrom was shot outside the store.
What Happened?
Danny G. Engstrom, known on YouTube as Danny Stranger, spent many hours livestreaming himself playing games or talking to his chat, sometimes ranting about his ex-wife, police or judges. On this particular day, Danny had been live for several hours already when he, after ranting about a picture of a woman, got out of his chair in his hometown of Pasco, Washington, to go to the nearest gas station to buy snacks, only to never return.
Neighbours called 911 after hearing three gunshots. Police then found Engstrom in front of the store with three men nearby. He was shot multiple times in his chest, the Tri-City-Herald reports. The article also states that the three men claimed Engstrom pulled a gun on them and they had shot in self-defense. Police have neither confirmed this account nor arrested the suspects while the investigation continues.
The self-defense claim raises questions with Engstrom's family, who recall the man hating guns and not legally being allowed to own one. His niece Miranda states in the same article that Danny did struggle with his mental health and his temper but that he was generally a good person.
He did have a big heart. He was something I could turn to. I know he had some difficulties, but he really did care about everyone.
She doubts the account of the three suspects and does not think Danny provoked the confrontation that resulted in his death.
Another woman, however, claims in the article that Engstrom harassed her and "was a danger to himself and others." There are claims of harassment while live and stalking of his ex-wife, who had a protection order against him, surrounding the man.
The Livestream
Danny was live on YouTube when everything happened. After he leaves, three gunshots can be heard and a few minutes later, sirens wail.
The chat, first oblivious to what happened, starts to realize something might not be right when Engstrom does not return. "[Stuff] went down at the pik and pop. Danny might not be back," one user states, whereafter others, listening to the police scanner, report someone being shot outside the gas station Danny just went to. After hoping he only had to stay to make statements or wait until police left, viewers slowly realize that someone might actually be Danny. His phone sits on his desk endlessly ringing. And the saddest part: His daughter finds out through the livestream chat what happened to her father. Two hours later the stream is ended by a crying woman.
Engstroms family set up a GoFundMe for financial support.
Whether the incident was self-defense remains unclear. What is certain though, is that a beloved father was tragically taken that day.
