US: Adult film star killed in Nebraska gun violence while protecting family

Adult film star Jay Hefner, whose real name was Saiveon Hopkins, lost his life in a shooting in Lincoln, Nebraska. Hopkins, aged 24, was described by his family as a victim of a "senseless act of gun violence", while trying to defend his cousin at the time of the incident.

Hopkins had travelled to Lincoln from Ontario, Canada, to celebrate a family member's birthday. According to a GoFundMe page created to support his family, he died while attempting to protect his cousin from an altercation.

Kyra Miller, a close friend of Hopkins’ mother, Jeni Brown, wrote, "Losing a loved one is never easy, but the pain of losing a child is unimaginable."

The incident was one of three separate shootings that took place in Lincoln between Saturday night and Sunday morning. Hopkins' shooting occurred at approximately 1:30 AM when police were called to a scene where a fight had broken out. Upon arrival, officers found two men with gunshot wounds. Both were taken to the hospital, but Hopkins succumbed to his injuries despite life-saving efforts.

A press release from the local police department confirmed the death of a 24-year-old man but did not release his name, pending family notification. However, Hopkins was later identified by his family and the adult film company he worked for.

Hopkins is survived by his 10-month-old daughter, his girlfriend Madeline, his siblings, and his terminally ill mother, for whom he was a caregiver. Miller remembered him, saying, "Saiveon was a bright light in the lives of those who loved him. Father to a 10-month-old daughter, who adored him, he also helped his terminally ill mother care for his siblings."

Madeline, his girlfriend, wrote on Instagram, "whole heart in human form," posting a video of him kissing her on the cheek. She wrote, "We had so many plans. I love you so much, Saiveon. I’m at a loss for words."

In another post, she added, "When your mom called I instantly broke down I’ve never felt this type of hurt and honestly idk how to get through it. There’s absolutely no words that can explain the love I have for you, but you know what it was about us. Rest up I’ll make sure you're never forgotten. Forever us."

(With inputs from agencies)