By Rose Miami 
HangupsMusic.com – Long Beach, CA – A day intended to celebrate community and entrepreneurial spirit took a somber turn yesterday as a shooting incident occurred in close proximity to the grand opening of the fourth Marathon Burger location, a venture spearheaded by the estate of the late artist Nipsey Hussle. While the restaurant’s opening was met with significant community enthusiasm and celebrity support, a violent act just blocks away cast a shadow over the festivities, resulting in one fatality and two injuries.
The incident, which took place on March 1, 2026, in the 200 block of Pine Avenue, drew the attention of law enforcement officers who were already present in the area due to the special event. According to a statement released by the Long Beach Police Department, officers heard an altercation and subsequently gunshots emanating from a parking structure. Responding officers discovered a male adult victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite immediate medical aid rendered by officers and subsequent transport by the Long Beach Fire Department, the victim succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. The identity of the deceased has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.
Two additional victims, described as male adults in their late teens to early 20s, were found near the scene with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. They were also transported to a local hospital and are reported to be in stable condition. As of the latest reports, no suspect information has been made available, and the motive behind the shooting remains under active investigation. Detectives are appealing to the public for any information, emphasizing that additional witnesses and video evidence may exist. They have provided contact details for Homicide Detectives Eric Thai and Chasen Contreras at (562) 570-7244, as well as options for anonymous tips through LA Crime Stoppers.
In contrast to the violence that unfolded nearby, representatives for Nipsey Hussle’s estate issued a statement asserting that the shooting was not connected to the Marathon Burger event itself. The statement highlighted the overwhelming success of the grand opening, characterized by strong community support and a continued flow of excited customers. "The opening was a huge success with strong community support," the statement read. "The incident being reported was NOT connected to our event and the event continued. The opening itself proceeded safely and without issue. The restaurant remains open and customers are still flowing in and out with excitement."
The grand opening itself was a testament to the enduring legacy and influence of Nipsey Hussle. The new Long Beach establishment, the fourth in the Marathon Burger chain, drew a considerable crowd, including notable figures from the music and entertainment industries. Celebrities such as Snoop Dogg, YG, and Stevie Wonder were reportedly in attendance, lending their support to the venture. This convergence of community and cultural figures underscored the positive impact Hussle’s entrepreneurial spirit continues to have.
The tragic shooting also occurred just one day after a significant tribute to Nipsey Hussle in South Los Angeles. On February 29, 2026, city officials officially designated the intersection of Slauson Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard as "Nipsey Hussle Square." This honor, bestowed in recognition of his profound life and musical contributions, drew hundreds of fans and community members to the area, fostering a sense of remembrance and collective grief. The juxtaposition of this heartfelt dedication with the violence that occurred in Long Beach highlights the ongoing challenges faced by communities striving for progress and peace.
Eyewitness accounts from the vicinity of the Long Beach shooting described scenes of panic as shots rang out, causing hundreds of attendees to scatter. Eric VanDyke, identified as a relative of Nipsey Hussle, expressed his disappointment to ABC7 Eyewitness News, stating, "It was disappointing because I know that Nip, (Blacc) Sam wanted this to be a happy occasion, so it’s unfortunate that something happened that would bring more attention to the negative elements as opposed to the positive elements." His sentiment reflects a broader hope that such community-focused events can transcend the shadows of violence.
The Marathon Burger brand, a key component of Nipsey Hussle’s vision for economic empowerment and community development, continues to expand, aiming to provide quality food and employment opportunities. The Long Beach opening represented another step in this ongoing mission. Despite the unfortunate incident that occurred nearby, the estate’s statement and the continued operation of the restaurant signal a determination to persevere and focus on the positive aspects of the enterprise. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent issues of gun violence that continue to plague communities, even as efforts are made to build and uplift.