Dontae Demetrius Diaz Sr., a 32-year-old African American male from Palatka, Florida, tragically lost his life on September 4, 2022. Dontae was a well-known figure in his community, having been born on November 18, 1989, in Jacksonville, Florida. He was a graduate of Palatka High School and continued his education at St. Johns River State College. Dontae was a self-employed entrepreneur, owning and operating Diaz Crew Transport LLC and Antpyle Media LLC, and co-owning Country Girls Seafood
Shack LLC. He was known for his love of traveling, working, watching sports, and spending time with his family and friends.
The circumstances surrounding Dontae's death were particularly tragic. He was fatally shot outside of Vick’s Supper Club in Palatka during a violent altercation that escalated into a deadly shootout. The incident, which occurred in the parking lot of the nightclub, resulted in the deaths of Dontae and another individual, Luther Ward Jr., and left two others in critical condition. The Palatka Police Department reported that a large group of people had gathered in the parking lot when an argument broke out, leading to the fatal shooting.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the Palatka Police Department, along with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, and the state attorney’s homicide investigative team, launched an investigation into the incident. While investigators have gathered information on a suspect, no arrests have been made, and the suspect's identity has not been publicly disclosed. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to seek justice for Dontae and the other victims involved in the tragic event.
Dontae's death has left a profound impact on his family and the Palatka community. He is survived by his fiancé, Arkeelia Evans, and his three children, Akeelah Martasia Diaz, Dontae Demetrius Diaz Jr., and Psalms Thurnell Demetrius Diaz. His parents, Stephanie Curry and Antonio Diaz, along with his extended family and friends, continue to mourn his loss and remember him for the positive influence he had on their lives. The community has rallied together, offering condolences and support to his family during this difficult time.
