Local musicians play for recruit

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - A benefit was held Saturday night for a Norfolk Police recruit who died after aggressive training. John Kohn was taken to the hospital after defensive tactics training on December 9th. He died on December 18th from what the family says was a massive brain injury they say Kohn received during training.

Most musicians don't need a reason to pick up an instrument. They don't need a reason to hop on stage and jam. But when they get a chance to help out a buddy, they say that's a no-brainer.

"This group of peers felt very attached to John," said friend Vasili Simmons. "That's why we've all given up our time to do something for his family."

Friends say Norfolk Police recruit John Kohn loved music.

"He was an unbelievably great musician and very passionate about it," added friend Damien Wade.

That passion could be felt in the strum of note or the banging of drum.

"He loved playing," Micah Spruill added. "He loved being part of the musical community."

Friends believe Kohn carried that passion with him wherever he went.

"He was all about doing good for people," Simmons said.

Kohn joined the Norfolk Police Academy. His goal was to help as many as possible, but he never had the chance to put on the uniform.

"It's a great loss to us as friends and for the city," Spruill added. "He could have been an amazing cop."

But sadly his death has overshadowed his life. Video of Kohn's training showed him getting punched over and over to the head.

"With everything going on, the bottom line is we are never going to see John again," Wade said. "That's the part that hurts the most."

For the musicians, the beat must go on and they say that's the way John would have wanted it.

"John would be looking down and would be very proud of his friends," Simmons added.

Saturday's event was held at Shaka's in Virginia Beach. We're told 100 percent of the proceeds will go to Kohn's wife and his un-born daughter.

The city is still investigating Kohn's death and waiting for the final autopsy report from the medical examiner.