Authorities say in Georgia the co-owner of a popular Atlanta nightclub was shot and killed Saturday morning in front of his own establishment.
Michael Gidewon was identified by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office as the man who found dead outside the Republic Lounge located at 990 Brady Avenue NW near 11th Street NW.
Atlanta police say just before 7 a.m., officers arrived to find Gidewon suffering from a gunshot wound. He was not responsive. Medics pronounced him dead at the scene.
It was not immediately clear who shot Gidewon or why, but investigators have not reported any arrests in connection to his death.
A small memorial began to grow Saturday night marking the spot 50-year-old was found gunned down just hours earlier.
Gidewon has been in business as a nightlife entrepreneur for the last 35 years, according to records filed with the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office. He and his younger brother, Alex, escaped the East African country of Eritrea due to the violence. The brothers would work as valets learning the ins and outs of the nightlife business.
The pair would eventually work their way into owning two clubs just a block from each other with Alex heading the now-defunct Compound nightclub.
He also was not one to shy away from giving back to the community, helping several Thanksgiving dinner drives among other charitable activities.
Gidewon leaves behind his wife, Selam, and four children.
Friends and family of Gidewon could not be reached for comment and nothing official has been posted on social media by the clubs.
The Republic Lounge is located in the western Home Park neighborhood, which has an ecliptic mix of popular night spots, restaurants, mixed-use developments, and other businesses.
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