ATLANTA — An Atlanta community mentor and restauranteur is being remembered.
Chad Dillon, 33, was shot and killed Tuesday afternoon near Tribute Lofts on John Wesley Dobbs Avenue in broad daylight in the Old Fourth Ward Neighborhood, according to the Atlanta Police Department.
An APD spokesperson said Dillon was shot multiple times. He later died from his injuries.
Dillon owned The Boiler Seafood and Crab Boil on Piedmont Road in Buckhead. There is a memorial outside of the restaurant.
The 33-year-old is also being remembered for his impact on the community.
Edwin Prosper said Dillon used to mentor him and dozens of inmates with Urban League.
"He was nothing but for the people," Prosper said. "I could almost guarantee you that he'd give you the shirt off his back."
Prosper said it wasn't what Dillon did in the kitchen; it was what he did when the restaurant closed.
"I was locked up at a prison over here in metro Atlanta," Prosper said. "And Chad came as, basically, like one of the community mentors."
Prosper said he was released about a month before he found out Dillon was killed. He said Dillon would meet with dozens of inmates almost weekly and teach them about entrepreneurship.
"We, basically, try to come up with business plans to create something to just keep-- positive energy and keep us out the streets," Prosper said.
Dillon was passionate about the business. During his first year as a restauranteur, it's reported that he made $8 million. He also co-owned "The Seafood Menu" with Atlanta rapper Lil' Baby.
Lil' Baby posted about Dillon on his Instagram story," D*** Big Buddy, get your rest."
Dillon was also set to open another restaurant next. His dreams were cut short.
"It kind of hurt me, honestly," Prosper said. "It hurt me bad just knowing that I was... that person was a part of my life when I was going through something. So, to see me out here now and then that happened is just as heartbreaking."
There were broken hearts all over metro Atlanta as condolences began pouring in from those who knew him.
Dillon's lawyer released this statement:
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Chad Dillon, who was not only a valued client and dear friend but also a well-respected businessman. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time..."
Many on social media were hoping that violence wouldn't kill another man on the come-up.
"Gun control, the gun laws, maybe," Prosper said. "It is sad. We've got to do something."
11Alive spoke to Dillon's sister, Kristine, on the phone. She explained that the family was hurting, and this was all too fresh. So, they're not ready to speak right now. Most of the family is in New York, and even from there, they understand how much he meant to the Atlanta community.
Atlanta Police have not announced an arrest in this case, as the shooting is still under investigation. However, a spokesperson said the killing appears to have been targeted.