Mother of Lyft Driver Killed in Charlotte Says Her Son Will ‘Live On’ Through Organ Donations
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The mother of Shabazz Grant, a Lyft driver who died after being shot during a violent carjacking spree in Charlotte, says her son’s legacy will live on — not through words, but through the lives he saved as an organ donor.
Grant succumbed to his injuries earlier this week following the shooting that left the Queen City shaken. Police say he was targeted during an attempted carjacking while driving for Lyft.
On Thursday, his mother, Berkeley Pettus, spoke publicly for the first time, describing her son’s final act of generosity as a moment of light amid unimaginable grief.
“It was a happy occasion for me out of all this sadness,” Pettus said. “She told me, ‘He’s helping people in the best way, and he will live on.’ I said, ‘Absolutely.’”
Pettus confirmed that her son’s heart and liver were successfully donated, bringing new hope to families awaiting transplants.
A Mother’s Hope Amid Heartbreak
Grant’s death was part of a broader Charlotte crime spree that police described as “chaotic and senseless.” The suspect, whose name has not been publicly released pending investigation, reportedly opened fire during an attempted car theft while Grant was on duty for Lyft.
Despite her devastation, Pettus says she has found comfort in knowing her son’s spirit continues to help others — and she plans to meet the recipients of his donated organs soon.
“To know that I’ll be able to hear my son’s heartbeat again… that gives me peace,” she said tearfully.
Remembering Shabazz Grant
Friends and family remember Grant as a hardworking man with a giving heart, someone who brought joy to everyone he met. Those who knew him say his selflessness in life perfectly mirrors the way he left the world.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by Pettus to help cover funeral expenses and support the family through the healing process.
“He didn’t deserve this,” she said. “But if there’s one thing he’d want, it’s to help others — and now, he still is.”
Community Response and Ongoing Investigation
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department continues to investigate the shooting, part of a violent series of crimes that unfolded across the city earlier in the week. Detectives have not yet released further details about arrests or possible charges.
Meanwhile, Charlotte residents have rallied around the Grant family, leaving tributes and messages of support online. Many have called his organ donation a powerful reminder of compassion in tragedy.
“Even in death, he was still giving,” one friend wrote. “That’s who Shabazz was — all heart.”
For updates on this developing story and more North Carolina community coverage, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
