Diamond Fisk, 23, Fatally Shot Outside Empire Lounge in Akron: West Akron Nightlife Turns to Mourning After Late-Night Gunfire Near Popular Club Leaves One Dead, Sparks Police Investigation

AKRON, OHIO — A vibrant weekend gathering at a well-known Akron nightlife venue turned into a scene of horror and heartbreak early Sunday morning, when Diamond Fisk, a 23-year-old local woman, was fatally shot in a parking lot near the Empire Lounge in West Akron. The tragedy occurred around 2:16 a.m., as police officers were already on site working to disperse a crowd, transforming what had been a routine late-night scene into one of chaos and mourning.

The Empire Lounge, located on Merriman Road, has long been a staple of the city’s nightlife scene. Known for drawing large weekend crowds and hosting music events, it often remains open into the early morning hours. On this particular night, the atmosphere shifted from celebratory to catastrophic in a matter of seconds.

The Timeline of Tragedy

According to the Akron Police Department, officers were actively attempting to manage a crowd outside the Empire Lounge when the situation escalated. The lot had grown congested with patrons lingering after club hours, and tensions were reportedly high.

At approximately 2:16 a.m., gunshots rang out in the adjacent McDonald’s parking lot, only steps away from the club. Witnesses reported a brief scuffle followed by rapid gunfire. Within moments, Diamond Fisk lay critically injured on the pavement. First responders attempted lifesaving measures, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Akron Police Chief Brian Harding addressed the media hours later, stating, “This wasn’t a random act. There were people involved who knew one another, and we are following multiple leads to determine the motive and identify the shooter.”

Who Was Diamond Fisk?

To those who knew her, Diamond Fisk was much more than a headline. Friends described her as vibrant, determined, and “always smiling.” Born and raised in Akron, Diamond had recently started working toward a career in cosmetology, having completed courses at a local beauty school. She was also helping care for her younger siblings while supporting her single mother.

“She was the heart of our family,” said Alicia Fisk, Diamond’s aunt, who gathered with family members outside the scene just hours after the shooting. “Diamond didn’t deserve this. She had plans, a future, dreams.”

Diamond’s social media is filled with messages of encouragement, uplifting affirmations, and countless photos with friends and loved ones. Her most recent post, made just a day before her death, read, “Surround yourself with light and people who feed your soul.”

Community Reaction: Pain, Outrage, and Calls for Peace

News of Diamond Fisk’s death quickly spread across social media and within the Akron community, prompting an outpouring of grief and calls for justice. A makeshift memorial was soon established near the site of the shooting, with candles, flowers, and handwritten notes marking the place where her life was taken.

“We are devastated,” said local pastor Rev. Calvin Mays, who is organizing a vigil for Diamond. “This isn’t just about one young woman. This is about a community that keeps losing its youth to senseless violence. We’ve cried enough tears.”

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik issued a public statement Sunday evening: “The loss of Diamond Fisk is a tragedy that no family or community should endure. We will do everything in our power to support the investigation and bring those responsible to justice. But more than that, we must renew our efforts to address the root causes of violence in our city.”

The Investigation: What Authorities Know So Far

The Akron Police Department has confirmed that Diamond Fisk was not alone in the vicinity of the shooting, though no other victims’ names or conditions have been publicly disclosed. Multiple shell casings were recovered at the scene, and surveillance footage from nearby businesses—including the McDonald’s and the Empire Lounge—is being reviewed.

Police have not made any arrests but say they are seeking at least one individual believed to be involved. Investigators are also urging anyone with information or cellphone footage from the early hours of Sunday morning to come forward.

“This isn’t just about a criminal investigation,” Chief Harding said. “It’s about restoring faith in public safety and ensuring that violence isn’t allowed to define our neighborhoods.”

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or leave anonymous tips with Summit County Crime Stoppers at 330-434-COPS.

Violence in Akron: A Growing Concern

Diamond Fisk’s death is part of a disturbing pattern in Akron and many other mid-sized American cities. In recent years, West Akron has seen a troubling increase in gun-related incidents, particularly in and around nightlife establishments. While community leaders and law enforcement have implemented new strategies—such as increased patrols and youth engagement programs—results have been mixed.

In 2024, Akron recorded over 60 shootings, with a significant portion occurring during overnight hours and involving individuals under 30. The city’s police department has since expanded its violence intervention teams, but officials acknowledge that law enforcement alone cannot solve the crisis.

“We need a holistic approach,” said Dr. Monique Harris, a sociologist at the University of Akron. “That means jobs, mentorship, mental health support, and safe spaces for young adults to gather. Without those things, the cycle continues.”

Remembering Diamond: Her Life, Her Legacy

For now, Diamond Fisk’s family and friends are focused on remembering the life she lived rather than the way she died. Plans for a public memorial are underway, and a GoFundMe has been launched to support funeral expenses and help her mother relocate out of the neighborhood where the tragedy occurred.

Messages of condolence have poured in from across Ohio. Several community organizations, including Mothers Against Violence and Akron Peace Initiative, have pledged to honor Diamond’s memory by advocating for increased youth protection in public venues.

One of Diamond’s childhood friends, Trina Wallace, put it simply: “She had a light. And whoever took that away, they didn’t just hurt her family—they took from all of us. But we’ll remember her light. We’ll carry it forward.”

The Path Ahead

As the city of Akron grapples with yet another senseless act of gun violence, residents are left asking: How do we prevent this from happening again? For Diamond Fisk’s family, there is no solace until justice is served. But for a broader community still reeling from the loss, perhaps her death will ignite a renewed push for solutions—ones that ensure the safety, dignity, and future of young people like Diamond.

If you have any information related to the shooting of Diamond Fisk, please contact Akron Police or leave anonymous tips at 330-434-COPS. A reward may be offered for credible information leading to an arrest.