The neighbor of a Detroit neurosurgeon who was fatally shot and discovered under mysterious circumstances revealed that those who knew the top doctor had “nothing but good to say about him.”
No arrests have been made since Devon Hoover, 53, was shot dead and wrapped in a plastic sheet before cramming into the attic of his $1.2 million mansion.
His former neighbor, Roland Radinski, who lives in a $3.2 million house built by K-Mart founder SS Kresge on Hoover’s lavish street, told DailyMail.com that he “never had a fight” with the surgeon in the 15 years he knew him.
In the days following Hoover’s murder, there has been an outpouring of grief, with many wondering how the beloved doctor could have been the victim of such a gruesome tragedy.
“He was a great neighbor,” said Radinski, who added that he has not been questioned by authorities, which he says is because the police have “a likely suspect.”
The leading neurosurgeon was hailed as a “dedicated and respected” physician by his employer, Ascension Michigan Hospital
Roland Radinski, a neighbor of Dr. Hoover, said those who knew him had “nothing but good to say about him”
Radinski lived next door to Dr. Hoover in the historic Boston-Edison neighborhood, one of Detroit’s most lucrative neighborhoods.
The lavish street is one of the city’s most upscale neighborhoods, and numerous Michigan celebrities, including heavyweight boxer Joe Louis and baseball star Willie Horton, have lived there, according to the website.
Hoover’s gruesome death has shaken the sleepy street, and Radinski told DailyMail.com that the community was “grief for the loss of a kind neighbor and a good surgeon.”
“I have several friends who were patients of Dr. She and Hoover were shocked by his untimely death,” he continued. “They had nothing but good to say about him, too.”
Radinski’s home in the upscale neighborhood was originally built by SS Kresge, whose supermarkets eventually became K-Mart. As one of the most lavish mansions in Michigan, the home made headlines in 2020 after hitting the real estate market for $3.25 million.
Radinski lives in this $3.2 million house originally built by K-mart founder S.S. Kresge
Radinski lived next door to Dr. Hoover in the historic Boston-Edison neighborhood, one of Detroit’s most lucrative neighborhoods. Pictured: Radinski’s $3.2 million home
In Roland Radinski’s stunning $3.2 million home, next door to Dr. Devon Hoover
Beautiful statues and ornate windows in Radinski’s home, built by K-Mart founder SS Kresge
Few details have been released about the neurosurgeon’s death, but police reportedly visited the home after he failed to show up for a family celebration.
On a subsequent welfare check of his home, police discovered his body in the attic of his home, hidden in a sheet with a single gunshot wound to the head.
The Detroit Police Department told DailyMail.com that the homicide department is investigating his death, but no arrests have yet been made.
Police believe the murder may have been the result of a domestic incident turned deadly.
No motive has also been revealed for the murder of the Ascension Michigan Hospital physician, who is believed to have lived alone.
Hoover was considered one of the top medical professionals in the state and was previously named in Hour Detroit Magazine as one of Detroit’s leading neurological surgeons in 2008.
Devon Hoover, pictured, was fatally shot Sunday night and found wrapped in a sheet in the attic of his Detroit mansion
The top doctor was described as ‘great’ by friends, family and former patients
Another Hoover neighbor, Jonathan Shearrod, told the story Detroit News: “It will take you a while to understand what happened.”
He said the famed neurosurgeon was an “anchor of the block” and was “extremely involved in the neighborhood,” hosting regular parties and functions at his lavish home.
“I just can’t imagine anyone going through that at home or facing that kind of terror where you live.”
Those who lived next door to Hoover on upscale Detroit street have routinely described him in glowing terms, while another neighbor said, “He was an incredibly nice man.
“He made you feel so special — when we talked, I felt 100 percent of his focus … he always left you in good spirits and better than he thought you were.”
According to Law and Crime, Hoover’s since-deleted profile on his hospital website said he had “a special interest in the treatment of neck and back conditions.”
The biography said that after completing his medical education at Indiana University School of Medicine, his residency was concluded at Hendry Ford Hospital in Detroit.
He also completed fellowships, one in peripheral nerve surgery at Louisiana State University School of Medicine with Dr. David Kline, and one in Pediatric Neurosurgery at Children’s Hospital of Michigan with pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Alexa Canada,” the bio adds.
Ascension Michigan Hospital said in a statement: “Devon Hoover, MD, was a devoted and respected member of the Ascension Michigan family and will be greatly missed by our community.
“Our sincere condolences and heartfelt prayers are associated with his family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time.”
The 53-year-old was found dead in his $1.2 million mansion in Detroit’s historic Boston-Edison neighborhood.
A neighbor said the neurosurgeon lived alone but was an “anchor of the block” and was “extremely involved in the neighborhood”
Palatial homes like this one are commonplace in Detroit’s historic Boston Edison neighborhood
The neighborhood has been home to legendary Detroit residents such as boxer Joe Louis and Motown founder Berry Gordy
A special Facebook page entitled ‘Justice for Dr. Devon Hoover” has spawned hundreds of messages paying tribute to the “great” doctor.
Rest in peace beautiful and kind soul. You will be missed forever. You taught me how to love neurosurgery by working alongside you in the operating room,” one of his colleagues wrote.
Your patience was unparalleled. Prayers for your family and everyone you knew. We are devastated to have lost you! May your legacy and love of surgery live forever in those touched by your presence in this world.”
“Last weekend we lost a beloved colleague,” another colleague from Ascension Hospital added. ‘A very talented doctor… a man about whom no one can say anything bad. He was a real gentleman. He was sincere and loved helping people.”
A former patient added in a separate post that Hoover was considered “the best” and “wasn’t like most surgeons.”
“He said he wouldn’t operate unless absolutely necessary,” she continued. ‘Always so wonderful, knowledgeable and supportive. We are so very sad for his family, friends and colleagues. May he rest in peace.’
“I can’t believe how such a horrific tragedy can befall such a gentle, brilliant soul,” said another.
“God bless you, Dr. Hoover…I will never forget your kindness and respect.”