‘He was a kind soul’: Family mourns young beach attendant killed in weekend shooting

A night out turned tragic for 20-year-old beach attendant Mekhi Taylor, who was shot and killed early Saturday morning — leaving his family and friends heartbroken and searching for answers.

Taylor, described as a “kind soul who made the day better,” worked at The Blue Zone Experience, which shared a tribute after his death.

“He was hardworking, respectful, and an irreplaceable asset to the business… We are grateful for his life and the time he spent with us,” the company said in a social media post.

Police said Taylor was standing with a group of people in a parking lot on University Drive around 2 a.m. Saturday, when a Japanese vehicle pulled up and the occupants opened fire on the crowd.

Taylor was struck and later died of his injuries.

His sister, K’nelle Taylor, told The Tribune she believes he was not the intended target.

“He never bothered anyone. He was never into gang violence,” she said.

Before the shooting, Taylor had dinner at Carnivale Bahamas, dropped off a neighbor, returned home, then went back out — never to return.

“I was sleeping,” K’nelle recalled. “My younger brother woke me up and said, ‘Mekhi get shoot.’”

Friends say Mekhi loved life and the social scene. His sister said he was known as a “partier”, often teasing relatives who warned him to be careful.

“From he turned 18, he was just into parties and a good time,” she said. “If something was to happen to him, he’d say, ‘At least I had fun.’”

Taylor’s killing adds to the growing list of young Bahamian men lost to gun violence, a crisis that continues to devastate families and communities.