This year has been one full of uncertainty. Questions about how to live safely, act responsibly and love unabashedly have all swirled around each of us as we do our best to deftly pivot in the face of universal precariousness. Today, we at 303 Magazine are faced with more questions than ever, as we confront the fact that one of our own has been a victim of a senseless act of violence. Yesterday, former 303 photographer and Be A Good Person (BAGP) co-creator, Darian Simon, was shot while he and his girlfriend, Isabella Thallas, were walking their dog in Denver’s Ballpark neighborhood. Although Simon is currently stable in the ICU, Thallas was pronounced dead on the scene. She had just celebrated her 21st birthday.
Simon is a staunch supporter of peace, as evident in the life he has dedicated to simply spreading kindness through BAGP.
“Life can go by in a blink, so you have to think about what you can do to make a difference today,” he said in an interview with 303 about the opening of his RiNo store. “This new space we have isn’t so much about selling products as it is about creating an environment people [feel] safe enough in to spread positivity every day.”
Simon’s femur is shattered, which will require multiple surgeries and extensive physical therapy to mend, but he is also suffering from emotional trauma that time cannot repair. His brother, Drick Bernstine, set up a GoFundMe page to help Simon and his family during this time. Thallas’ family also set up a page to help with costs related to her funeral and burial.
Now, as questions still swirl around us, one thing is clear — we need to act with love and kindness ourselves and support those in our community who need it most. In short, be a good person.
Be A Good Person is located at 1360 27th Street,Denver. It is currently closed.
Thinking of you Darian!
We are devastated by Bella’s death, and send love and healing thoughts to Darian and both families. -Team Bresler
Darian – my heart goes out to you, both for your injury and your loss of Isabella. I understand the pain of losing someone (I lost my 20-year old daughter in January). My son wears his Be a Good Person shirts often and the work that you are doing is making an impact! Stay strong and keep your passion – you are making a difference!
Darian I am so sorry for your loss my deepest condolences to you, your family, your girlfriend and her family.
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Darian, stay strong! I know it’s a struggle both physically and emotionally! Many people love you and are fighting for you ???
Darian, my deepest condolences for your unimaginable loss! ?My (my family’s) heart is broken ?over what you & your family have had to endure! Your father is very important to us & in turn as an extension of him you are as well! Watching you grow over the years you have become such a wonderful young man, kind, motivated to pursue your dreams & so gifted in your talents! Remember who you are at your core as you work through the next phase of recovery so that you can use your voice to honor Bella & continue to be a light in this world. You got this! Our family is keeping you & your family in prayer & are here to help in any way that we can. ???
Darian, first of all you may not remember me I’m Ingrid’s mom, your dad, you and your whole family are family to us♥️??I remembered you little and big my best wishes for your quick recovery, your soul and physically recovery, also be strong for Bella make her proud be her voice she is your ? you’re special just because I know you n your dad you’re already extra special ??Praying for all of you BE STRONG
I work for Natural Stone Sales we are a client of your Mom Christy. Our hearts go out to you, your family and Isabella’s family for this tragic and senseless loss. We wish you a quick recovery and can only imagine your pain.