21-Year-Old Seattle Shooting Survivor Was Shot While Trying to Help Friend During Robbery

A 21-year-old Seattle man is recovering after being shot three times while reportedly trying to help his friend during an armed robbery in the city’s Belltown neighborhood.

The shooting happened during the early morning hours of September 6, 2026, amid an illegal vehicle gathering in the area.

The victim, Matthew Lanske, 21, was reportedly attempting to help his friend, Isaac Elijah Rios, 20, when the shooting occurred, according to Fox 13 Seattle.

Rios was killed in the incident, while Lanske survived after suffering three gunshot wounds.

Lanske was rushed to a hospital, where he underwent multiple surgeries to treat his injuries. He remains on the road to recovery after the shooting.

His family has also described what they say happened immediately after Lanske was wounded.

According to his relatives, Lanske tried to reach a nearby convenience store in search of help. The family said the store’s door was locked and that some people at the scene filmed him rather than assisting him.

That account comes from Lanske’s family and should not be interpreted as an official determination about the actions or intentions of everyone who was present at the scene.

The shooting occurred amid a gathering involving vehicles, adding to concerns surrounding the circumstances that led to the violence. Rios died from his injuries, while Lanske survived despite being shot three times.

For Lanske’s family, his survival has come with the difficult reality of losing his friend. As he continues recovering from his injuries and surgeries, investigators are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Source: NY post