David Denogean was passionate about many things in his life, including music, teaching, and sports. This is how his friends and family remember him. They will continue their fight for justice after Denogean’s death in November.

The 30-year-old victim was out walking Evie during Thanksgiving weekend when he was shot by an unidentified man at Feeney’s Restaurant &Bar parking lot. He was located near 12 th street and Maryland Avenue. According to Phoenix police, the shooter fled from the scene and has not been found.

David’s younger brother Daniel Denogean said that David was always there to support his family and help them in any way they needed. They feel they have lost a part of themselves after his passing.

“We just have to keep in mind all the wonderful times we shared with Dave and honor him. He’s still smiling down on us. Denogean stated that he is still there for us.

Denogean stated that he would like to honor David’s memory by living his life the same way he did.

Denogean stated that all that can be done is to honor him with all the fond memories and to continue doing the things that he loved, such as going to concerts or ASU games. He just loved living life to its fullest.”

“A free and loving spirit”

Denogean stated that David was always happy, and would often make people laugh with his quotes from movies.

Denogean stated, “He was just such an open-hearted, loving soul.”

Denogean said that his brother was always doing something. This could have been coaching his team or listening to podcasts on history.

They shared a room as children, and Denogean recalled how they used to play hide and seek, video games, football, and hockey together. Later on in their lives, they shared their love for music.

Denogean stated that David was obsessed with music and listened to many different artists.

Denogean stated that Denogean loved many bands and had a huge taste in music. Every concert he took me to was just as much fun.

Blink 182 was their favorite band. Denogean stated that they saw them perform at least twice and that David saved Denogean from the crowd.

Denogean stated that there were so many people in the water and that it was so tight. He was like a shield around me. “And I was like, ‘Dave! I need to get outside of here’ and he helped to crowd surf all the way up to the front so I could get water.

Denogean stated that David loved going to concerts so much he would go to different theaters or venues once a week or every other weekend to see one. Denogean would sometimes tag along with David to concerts. The last concert they saw together was Franz Ferdinand at The Van Buren in Phoenix in 2018.

Denogean stated that it was a band that he and his family listened to as children. “It was great fun,” he said. “I wish I could have seen him perform again recently, but it was a wonderful memory that I will never forget.”

Students, loved ones, and colleagues feel loss

Music was not his only passion. Sports were an integral part of his daily life. He was a huge fan of both the Phoenix Suns and the Diamondbacks. David would often go along with his brother and father to Arizona State University for basketball and football games.

He was also a player of football and discus throw. This eventually led to him becoming a track and field coach at Camelback High School.

David was a substitute teacher at the school for at least two years and had previously taught English as a second or third language. He joined the track and field team as a coach in February.

James Arndt of Camelback High School said David was kind, determined, and easy to get along with.

Arndt stated that he believes David put a lot into his job because he loved working with children and schools.

He never hesitated to take on any challenge. Arndt stated that he would always show up to work every day, no matter what the need.

David was a coach who helped many teens improve their skills, even those who hadn’t practiced track and track before. Tori Anderson, who also coached track at Camelback High School said that David helped them to become better track and track athletes. He was patient and helped the children with anxiety and sickness.

David spent lots of time with the children on the team, particularly the throwers, and became very familiar with them. Anderson stated that they loved him.

“Everyone knew him, connected to him, communicated, and felt his absence. Anderson stated that they described him as kind, good-natured, friendly, and supportive.

Anderson says that David’s sudden death has had a devastating effect on the children as well as the team bonds they have formed.

Anderson said that he knows the kids’ likes and dislikes, their triggers, how they feel, what makes them happy, which will make them successful, and what to say to them in order to get them out of a funk. Anderson stated that when that is lost, the kids lose one of the pillars in their team and also the relationships that they have built with him.”

Anderson and David had many great ideas for how to grow the program. She shared that her loss was hard for her, and has managed her grief and the grief of her athletes.

Anderson said that Anderson was kind, funny, and had a big heart. Anderson stated that Anderson was genuinely interested in helping people and doing good deeds. He had a profound impact on all who met him. Anderson also said Anderson is a great friend.

Anderson stated that she believes she owes David the best for the progress of the program.

Anderson said, “It is now the last thing he did.” Anderson stated that it is important that the program be a fitting tribute to the man he was, the coach that he was, and his vision. It’s more than a program. It is David Denogean’s legacy.”

Arndt stated that many people are in mourning both within the school community as well as throughout the city and district.

“While I feel deeply for David’s loss, it is also very difficult to think about my staff and students and how it affects them all. Arndt stated that while I believe all of us are fine, there is no denying that there is a sense of grief about the school and the community.

Arndt stated that the school district now has social workers, counselors, and wellness specialists available to students and staff who are in need of someone to talk to.

Track and field have been discussing ways to remember David and maintain his presence during the spring season. Anderson said that they also plan to hold a memorial service in David’s honor at their first meet.

“There are so many aspects of his personality and how he interacts with the children. Anderson said that he meant the program as a whole, but specifically the children, and it cannot be replicated. Anderson stated that there will be a huge void.

Anybody with information should call Phoenix police at 602-262-6151 or Silent Witness at 480–WITNESS or 480–TESTIGO for Spanish-speaking residents. Information on this case could earn you a reward of up to $2,000