What began as a late-night argument outside a Florida pool hall ended in a heartbreaking loss of life that has left a community searching for answers.

Steven Michael Magee, a 48-year-old resident of Lakeland, Florida, was fatally shot early Thursday morning outside Wally’s Poolhall after a dispute with another patron suddenly turned violent. According to police, the confrontation unfolded shortly after midnight and escalated rapidly in the parking lot of the popular hangout.

Witnesses say the two men were arguing loudly, drawing attention from people nearby. What might have started as a typical disagreement quickly spiraled out of control. Around 12:35 a.m., gunfire erupted, and Magee was struck during the chaos. Those who were nearby watched in shock as the situation shifted from a heated argument to a life-or-death emergency in seconds.

When officers arrived at the scene, Magee was already critically injured. Paramedics rushed him to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, where doctors worked urgently to save him. Despite their efforts, Magee later died from his injuries, leaving family and friends devastated.

Investigators are still piecing together exactly what happened in those moments before the shooting. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the other man involved in the confrontation was injured or if he fled the scene immediately after the shots were fired. Detectives are now searching for that individual as they work to determine what triggered the deadly escalation.

Police are urging anyone who was at the pool hall that night—or anyone who may have witnessed the argument or the shooting—to come forward with information that could help solve the case.

Those who knew Magee describe him as a lively and energetic person who could brighten a room with his presence. Now, his sudden and violent death has left loved ones mourning and wondering how an ordinary night out turned into an irreversible tragedy over a single argument.