Coney Island Parachute Jump lights blue to honor fallen Detective Steven McDonald

Coney Island’s iconic Parachute Jump lit blue on Tuesday, January 10 to mark the passing of beloved NYPD Detective Steven McDonald.

McDonald, who was left paralyzed from the neck down following a 1986 shooting in Central Park and dedicated his remaining years to sharing his story and inspiring others, died earlier that day at the age of 59 following a heart attack on Friday, January 6 that left him unconscious in a Long Island hospital.

“He continues to serve as a source of great inspiration to us all,” wrote Coney Island Councilmember Mark Treyger on Facebook upon learning of the local landmark being lit.

A quadriplegic, McDonald often visited police station houses, schools, church groups and more, spreading his message of faith, forgiveness and peace.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to tell my story,” he told a group of Bay Ridge students in November.