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4.12.2019

Coffee shop owner killed in massive explosion

Donate to support the family of Kong Lee.



Some tragic news out of North Carolina, with a family that could use your help... This week, a 61-year-old man was killed in a massive explosion caused by a gas leak in downtown Durham.

Emergency responders were evacuating people in Durham, N.C., when a gas explosion killed 1

Kong Lee, owner of the Kaffeinate coffee shop, was killed Wednesday morning when contractor boring under the sidewalk hit a 2-inch gas line, causing the explosion. Lee was inside the building when it collapsed.

Minutes prior to the explosion, Lee had called his children to let them know he was closing up the shop.




Lee and his children, Diana and Raymond, started the coffee shop in October 2017 in order "to embrace the community by showcasing the best of what NC has to offer." According to the Kaffeinate website, their family has been living, working and contributing to the Triangle area for over 20 years.

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up for the Lee family.

Your support will help the them make it through the next couple of months during this difficult time. Funds will be used for expenses like paying the mortgage of Mr. Lee's house, caring for his elderly mother and funeral costs. It will also give the family time to figure out another source of income until they can rebuild their coffee shop.

For further information, and to donate, go here.