Friends say Kusa Magasa brought people together wherever he went. Now Seattle is rallying around the 25-year-old’s family following his death.
SEATTLE — Friends and loved ones across Seattle remember 25-year-old Quusaa “Q” Margarsa as a man who made people feel seen, valued and connected — the kind of person they said walked into any room and immediately made it better.
Magsa was found dead of an apparent gunshot wound on Saturday morning at the Growler Guys restaurant off Lake City Way, according to Seattle police. Detectives have not announced any arrests or the arrest of any suspects in the homicide investigation.
Dozens of people gathered outside the restaurant Sunday night for a vigil in Margotha’s memory, leaving flowers, candles, handwritten notes and balloons at the entrance.
Joe Ghebrehiwot, one of Magatha’s old friends, was chosen by the family to help lead the vigil.
“The worst part is, if that kid wasn’t around, there would be billions of laughter in the world,” Gebrichvoort said.
Friends described Magatha as the emotional center of nearly every friend group he was a part of.
Margarsa has lived in Seattle, attending Nathan Hale High School and being a member of the school’s 2016-17 national championship basketball team, considered by some to be the best high school basketball team in Washington history.
Ghebrehiwot said Margarsa stands out not because of statistics or accolades, but because of the energy he brings to those around him.
“Honestly, I think Q is probably the heart and soul of this team,” Ghebrehiwot said. “No matter what, he makes sure everyone is in a good mood.”
Outside of basketball, friends say Margesa made connections everywhere he went, including at work, school, family and the broader Seattle community.
Magsa comes from a large family, one of eight siblings. Friends say classmates become lifelong friends and colleagues often become extended family.
Sam Nasralla said he and Margarsa grew up together, riding the bus to basketball games and spending time together at the Meadowbrook Community Center.
“He’s part of my family,” Nasrallah said. “My mom used to call him Cupsey.”
Nasrallah said Magsa naturally connected with people both older and younger than him. Even in his youth, he easily blended in with upperclassmen and older friends who were connected to his brother.
“I’m two years older than him,” Nasrallah said. “He would call me big brother.”
Friends repeatedly described Magatha as a positive, funny and loving person who was constantly caring and treated everyone around him like family.
“Q is an important part of every group,” Nasrallah said.
A GoFundMe created to help Margarsa’s family pay for funeral and memorial services had raised more than $45,000 as of Monday evening.
Friends said the overwhelming support reflected how many people Margarsa impacted during his 25 years.
“He spread positivity everywhere he went,” Gelbrechtvoort said.
