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PROVO — The family of a Provo man shot in the head and killed are calling his death is a "senseless act of violence."
Andy Wendell Purcell, 32, died Tuesday, a day after he was found shot in the head on the front porch of his mother's home, 541 S. 300 East, early Monday. No weapon was found at the scene, and police, who suspect foul play, have not named a possible suspect.
Detectives were also still investigating a possible motive for the shooting, something Purcell's own family is having a hard time coming up with.
"It has devastated our family to lose this kind and gentle man. Our family has no idea why this event occurred, but it was definitely not gang related as far as we know," they said in a prepared statement.
It has devastated our family to lose this kind and gentle man. Our family has no idea why this event occurred, but it was definitely not gang related as far as we know.
–Family statement
Purcell's family released a statement Wednesday morning, asking the media to please respect their privacy and not approach them for interviews. They said they were cooperating with investigators, "because we want whoever did this to be caught so they can’t hurt anyone else."
They called Purcell "generous to a fault," and continued this generosity by donating his organs after his death.
"He will be greatly missed by his friends and family," family members said in their statement.
A fund has been set up in Purcell's name at Zion's Bank.
Email:preavy@ksl.com
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