Kenneth Gay, a 33-year-old Akron resident, was shot and killed outside the Exhale Hookah Lounge in the early hours of August 31, 2024. The shooting happened about 2:16 a.m. after multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire. Emergency responders found Gay with apparent gunshot wounds and he was pronounced dead at the scene; the Summit County Medical Examiner ruled his death a homicide.

The circumstances are unclear. Many patrons had already left before police arrived, and no suspects or arrests have been announced. Police had previously responded to disturbances at the same lounge, including two other shootings since 2022 and a multi-victim shooting in April 2023 in which three people were wounded and survived. Neighbors have voiced concern and called for the establishment to be closed because of ongoing safety issues.

Anyone with information about the August 31 shooting is asked to contact the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau.