The Ethiopian community in Cincinnati and beyond is grieving after a tragic shooting in Mount Washington claimed the lives of three young individuals: Bemnet Deresse, 27, and sisters Eden Adugna, 22, and Feven Adugna, 20. A fourth person hospitalized during the attack remains in critical condition.
The Adugna sisters, originally from Ethiopia, worked as pharmacy technicians at Good Samaritan Hospital, where colleagues remember them as compassionate, dedicated, and full of warmth. Eden held a pharmacy technician degree from Cincinnati State, and together, the sisters embodied the hopes of young Ethiopians pursuing education and opportunity abroad.
TriHealth described the loss as devastating and is providing counseling and support for staff affected by the tragedy.
Neighbors recall the scene in shock. Brad Lark, outside when the shots rang out, said the noise “sounded like firecrackers,” a sudden interruption to a quiet afternoon.
For Cincinnati’s Ethiopian diaspora, the deaths are more than a local tragedy—they represent a collective loss felt across families and communities. Social media has been flooded with tributes, prayers, and memories of the victims, highlighting the enduring impact of their lives and the void left behind.
The identity and motive of the suspected gunman remain under investigation. Yet, the community continues to mourn, honor, and reflect on the lives of Bemnet, Eden, and Feven, remembering them for their promise, dedication, and spirit.
Diaspora Reactions and Tributes
The Ethiopian diaspora has taken to social media to mourn the loss of Eden and Feven Adugna and Bemnet Deresse, sharing heartfelt memories and prayers.
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Many recalled the Adugna sisters as bright, ambitious, and kind-hearted young women who inspired those around them.
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Friends and colleagues posted photos and personal stories, emphasizing their dedication to their work at Good Samaritan Hospital and their commitment to helping others.
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Community groups in Cincinnati and across the United States have shared messages of solidarity, offering support to the victims’ families and calling for reflection on the fragility of life.
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Ethiopian-Americans expressed grief over the untimely deaths, noting how the sisters’ journey reflects the hopes of many young Ethiopians pursuing education and professional growth abroad.
These online tributes have become a space for collective mourning, where memories, prayers, and expressions of love honor the lives of those lost.