The chef of a popular Denver restaurant was shot and killed Saturday evening in Englewood.
The Arapahoe County Coroner's Office said Nicholas Lewis, 33, died of a gunshot wound to his chest. His death has been ruled a homicide.
Lewis was the chef at Blackbird Public House on the corner of East Alameda Avenue and South Downing Street in Denver.
Englewood Police said officers responded to a report of shots fired in the 3000 block of South Acoma Street at 8:39 p.m. on Oct. 1. When they arrived, officers found Lewis on the ground with several gunshot wounds. He was taken to the hospital where he later died.
On Monday, the Blackbird Facebook page posted a message to customers:
"Many of you now know that we lost our chef and good friend, Nick Lewis, on Saturday night. Those that knew Nick are having a hard time understanding how such a kind and gentle person could be taken from us in such a violent manner. The loss of Chef Nick leaves a hole in all of our hearts. Rest in peace Chef Nick. We miss you."
The restaurant closed Sunday after hearing about Lewis' death.
Lewis also used to work at another popular eatery, The Denver Biscuit Company. The restaurant posted a message on their Facebook page as well:
"With very heavy hearts we say good-bye to an amazing chef, wonderful co-worker, and caring father & friend. Nick Lewis was an integral member of our family and will forever be missed. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and son."
Investigator Kevin Sage with Englewood Police told 9NEWS detectives are working on numerous leads in the case but are still asking the public to contact them if they were in the area at the time of the shooting and heard or saw something.
Metro Denver Crime Stoppers is offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in this case. Tips can remain anonymous. The number is 720-913-STOP (7867).
A GoFundMe page has been set up to pay for funeral arrangements and to set up a college fund for Lewis' 8-year-old son: https://www.gofundme.com/2seyz58
