This story was produced as part of our Writing Heals program, in which we hire a family member of the deceased to write the story of the loved one they lost. For more information or to sign up to write about someone you lost to gun violence, click here.
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By David Bratcher, Tyrek’s brother
It’s the middle of the summer and 4 a.m. in Philly. Most people would be terrified to be outside, let alone want to go talk to their friends after just working a night shift. But Tyrek Dunn never was afraid to make himself available for the ones he loved. “Bro called me at 4 talking about he pulling up, and he knew how much it meant to me in the middle of family drama I was going through,” said his good friend, Samir Johnson.
Regardless of what it cost him or his time, Reek, as his friends recall him, would happily go out of his way to help. After just working an overnight shift, he even went to Jersey for his sister. “His only words were bet, on my way sis,” said his sister, Amber. “It wasn’t nothing he wouldn’t do for you.”
If you were around him you knew it was impossible not to laugh. A contagious smile and charm made being around him awesome, and you always knew it was hitting for a good time. You never felt as though you had to do much to fit in with him. “We were chillin’ playing pool talking about the election, and Reek say he was voting for Abe Lincoln,” Samir said. “Bro always was able to lighten the mood.”
Authenticity was key for him, and as long as you’re comfortable with yourself, you were cool with him. And his loyalty was on a different level. We were trying to pick up some chicks after hooping and he let me go thru his closet for some of his gear, mad thurl,” said his friend, Kyree Ruffin.
Unfortunately, police say, Reek was in the wrong place at the wrong time. On Aug. 18, 2019, he was found shot on the 2400 block of North Marston Street. He didn’t make it. He was 21.
Reek had grown up nearby in North Philly. Instead of allowing the drama of the inner city to overtake him, he decided to focus his energy on making a positive transition. He graduated from KDCA before attending Kutztown University, where he was pursuing a degree in Sports Broadcasting prior to starting his Entrepreneur journey.
Reek always had some new sneaks and would tell you he didn’t spend a lot. A visionary for fashion, he allowed for his creativity to be seen with his custom kicks. “He would literally have a new box of shoes coming into the dorm each week,” Samir said.
He never allowed a situation to dim his light on the view of life. That can be hard for anyone, but especially when dealing with the death of his mother. While away in college he was hit with a burden that could turn anyone coldhearted. But even in mourning he always made sure that he maintained a positive attitude
He was a hard worker who never wanted anyone to take care of him. In the summer after his freshman year, he got an overnight job at Homedepot and used it to make it a challenge of who can grind harder. He always worked hard to make sure he had what he wanted, never allowing himself to make excuses for not getting it. “Me and him were talking about who can get the biggest check, couple days later he sent me his paystub talking ‘bout, ‘Told you bro!” said his friend, David Bratcher. “He was a true hustler.”
He was always fun to be around and he made sure that you were going to have a good time as well. He allowed for himself to not be taken too seriously and allowed for others to feel comfortable around him despite the difference in upbringings.
One night in college, Reek and a group of friends went to karaoke He surprised everyone when he chose to sing a sone by his biggest crush, Rihanna. That might not have been every guy’s choice, but the fact that he was comfortable enough to sing Rihanna showed you he was always OK with himself. He didn’t need other acceptance, which ultimately made him way cooler.
A jokester he always knew how to have fun. Sometimes it went a little too far, like the time when he and his brother put ice cubes into a deep fryer. Or the time in college when he decided to chase a rabbit in the snow. “Reek was the bid, he had us in the house bunny hopping like big kids,” Kyree said.
Tyrek loved to play basketball and had the game to prove it. He was always trying to find the runs and wanted to be on the court until he couldn’t walk. Spending countless hours at the courts or the rec, you could always count on him wanting to hoop.” Soon as we got out class we was at the rec, for hours til we couldn’t walk,” Kyree said.
A do for self mentality, Reek was going to make a way, no excuses. Like the time he was away at school and was super determined to get his driver’s license. He literally went around the whole campus trying to charm people to use their car to practice. He got his license on the first try.
Reek left a promising memory and impacted everyone he came across. Leaving all of us with the memory of his smile and love for fashion. Leaving us with the words “The dream don’t come no closer by itself. We gotta run after it now.”
Anyone with information regarding any murder is urged to contact the Philadelphia Police Department at 215-686-TIPS (8477). There is a $20,000.00 reward leading to the conviction of a suspect.
