The Brooklyn community is looking for ways to cope after losing a widely respected and loved advocate from Bed-Stuy.  

Local businesses and neighbors are grieving the loss of 32-year-old Ryan Carson, who was stabbed to death early on Monday morning outside of a deli. 

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Law enforcement officials say that Carson was stabbed multiple times in his chest just before 4 a.m. near the intersection of Malcolm X Boulevard and Lafayette Avenue. Surveillance video from the deli shows Carson sitting with who sources believe is his girlfriend just moments before losing his life.  

“We will figure out some way to ensure that future generations remember him, but right now we’re just trying to sort of grapple with helping people get through this terrible period,” said Blair Horner, executive director of the New York Public Interest Research Group and former colleague of the late Ryan Carson.  

Loved ones and neighbors say Carson was a strong voice advocating for environmental issues and overdose prevention. 

“The world loses somebody who had great promise, who was a rising star in our organization,” said Horner. “Anytime you dim the lights just a little bit, it makes the world not as nice of a place.”