BREAKING NEWS: Tragic Link Emerges Between Kentucky Church Shooting and Giants Star Joc Pederson — A Family Rift, A Secret Grief, And One Player’s Unexpected Journey Home
By [Joyceduong] | The Athletic
BOWLING GREEN, KY — In a devastating turn of events that has sent shockwaves through both the baseball world and a grieving community in Kentucky, San Francisco Giants outfielder Joc Pederson is grappling with news that one of the three victims killed in last Sunday’s church shooting was his distant cousin, David Pederson.
While the shooting itself has rocked the small town of Bowling Green, it’s this unforeseen family connection — hidden from public view until now — that has plunged one of baseball’s most charismatic sluggers into private turmoil and exposed the lingering scars of a fractured family.
“Joc was blindsided,” said a family friend who spoke under condition of anonymity. “They hadn’t talked in years. But the moment he heard David was gone, he booked the earliest flight he could.”
A Shocking Family Tie
David Pederson, 35, was among the three people fatally shot when a gunman opened fire during Sunday services at a small Baptist church. Authorities say the shooter, identified as 41-year-old Mark Hastings, also died at the scene after turning the gun on himself. Investigators have yet to release a definitive motive, though some witnesses have described tensions within the church leadership as a possible spark.
But the revelation that David was related to Joc Pederson has added a startling dimension to the tragedy. Sources close to the Giants star confirm that while the two men shared childhood memories and holiday gatherings growing up in Southern California, they had become estranged due to a bitter dispute over an inheritance that divided the extended Pederson family nearly a decade ago.
“They were practically like brothers as kids,” the family friend explained. “Camping trips, Little League games… they were inseparable. But money tore the family apart.”
Despite the estrangement, the news of David’s violent death cut deeply. Less than 12 hours after receiving the call from his mother, Joc Pederson quietly boarded a private jet from San Francisco and flew to Kentucky, determined to pay his respects — and, perhaps, confront the ghosts of a family left shattered by both money and violence.
A Player’s Private Pain
Inside the Giants clubhouse, Pederson has long been one of baseball’s larger-than-life personalities. His dugout dances, clutch postseason hits, and his trademark pearl necklaces during the Braves’ 2021 World Series run made him a fan favorite — a player who seemed, at least outwardly, untroubled and carefree.
But those close to him describe a different side: a man fiercely loyal to his family, haunted by unresolved guilt over the family split that kept him and David apart for nearly a decade.
“He’s always been the funny guy,” said a current Giants teammate. “But this is eating him up. He keeps saying, ‘What if I’d called him sooner?’”
Since news of the shooting broke, Pederson has reportedly struggled with sleep and has held multiple private conversations with Giants management about possibly taking personal leave to remain in Kentucky for funeral services and family matters.
“He’s here physically, but his mind is somewhere else,” the teammate added.
The Shooting That Shook Kentucky
Last Sunday, the peaceful rhythm of worship at New Light Baptist Church in Bowling Green shattered into chaos when Mark Hastings allegedly began arguing with church elders during the morning service. Witnesses say the argument escalated in seconds, with Hastings drawing a handgun and firing multiple shots.
Three people were killed instantly, including David Pederson, who was reportedly trying to usher parishioners out a side exit. Two others remain hospitalized in stable condition.
The shooter was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound moments later, as police stormed the sanctuary. Authorities have confirmed Hastings had attended the church sporadically and had recent disputes with leadership over financial decisions.
Local residents remain stunned.
“I saw David maybe two days before,” said church member Roberta McClain. “He was talking about wanting to coach Little League next spring. Now he’s gone.”
Giants Organization Responds
While the Giants have declined to issue formal statements about Joc Pederson’s family tragedy, a team spokesperson told The Athletic:
“Our hearts are with Joc and everyone affected by this unimaginable violence. We are giving him all the time and privacy he needs.”
Fans have rallied around Pederson on social media, flooding his Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) accounts with messages of love and support, many using the hashtag #JocStrong.
“No one should have to play through something like this,” one fan posted. “Take all the time you need.”
A Possible Memorial Fund?
Sources indicate Pederson is considering creating a memorial scholarship fund in his cousin’s name, aimed at supporting youth sports programs in Kentucky — a gesture friends say would reflect the bond the cousins once shared through baseball.
“David loved baseball as much as Joc does,” the family friend said. “If Joc can turn this pain into something positive for kids, that would be exactly what David would want.”
As the investigation into the shooting continues, Joc Pederson remains in Kentucky, surrounded by family and quietly helping to make funeral arrangements. Whether he returns to the Giants immediately remains uncertain.
But those who know him best say he’s determined to honor David’s memory — and maybe, in doing so, heal wounds that have festered for too long.
“This tragedy is making him rethink everything,” said the friend. “He wants to fix the family. He doesn’t want to lose anyone else.”
For now, the slugger whose smile once lit up October baseball finds himself navigating the darkest chapter of his life — not at the plate, but in a Kentucky church still echoing with grief.