Shooting tragedy takes life of local relative

Random shootings make the news when gunmen shoot to kill, causing heartache for not only loved ones but for the effects it has on those who don’t even know the victims.
That reality hit home last week when Chris Gradoville, 37, died after being shot in Omaha by a man with an extensive criminal record.
Gradoville was a Granger Smith fan and seized the opportunity to experience a concert at the Chase County Fair this year, also providing a chance to connect with his aunt and uncle, Jan and Nick Schultz, his godparents.
Upon learning of the tragedy, Janiel Kimble reached out to Schultz, acknowledging how glad she was for the chance to meet Gradoville at the fair. Kimble was in charge of the horseshoe tournament in which Gradoville participated, then enjoyed seeing him at the concert. Others agreed he was one of those kind, friendly guys who was immediately easy to like.
News stories and reflections from every aspect of Gradoville’s life resonate that heart-warming impression.
Gradoville was a standout catcher for the Creighton Bluejays from 2004 to 2007. He played the minor-leagues for the Indians in Spokane, Washington where he met his wife, Nikki. He also found success in major league ball with the Texas Rangers.
After his professional baseball career, Gradoville spent time in Omaha and in Spokane, working in sports performance, specializing in treating sports injuries. He owned Tactical Training Solution, LLC, and trained first responders in fitness and health. While in Spokane, he was active in the Big Brothers/ Big Sisters program and was named Big Brother of the Year in 2016.
Gradoville and his wife moved back to Omaha in June 2020 where Gradoville was involved in home renovation work. He joined Creighton University’s baseball staff as director of baseball operations.
According to an Omaha World Herald story, Bluejays Coach Ed Servais said, “Having Chris as a member of our staff over the last 18 months was tremendous because he was such a great man and a great teammate. Whether you were a player, teammate or fellow staff member that needed a hand, Chris was one of the first guys to step forward.”
Gradoville had just sold property and went to complete one last maintenance project on that fateful day when he was shot in the yard by the arrested suspect, Ladell Thornton, 43, who had leased the residence.
Family felt fortunate to have just made memories with Gradoville in Colorado at the wedding of his cousin, Imperial-native Lyndsy Schultz Sept. 18.
A celebration of life is scheduled Thursday at Sokol Arena on Creighton’s campus.