In a poignant interview with People Magazine, Hastings vividly recalled the haunting moments he witnessed at Lennon’s Dakota apartment in New York City. “It’s as clear as if it happened yesterday,” he shared.
The chilling sequence of events began when gunshots pierced the air around 10:50 p.m. local time. Lennon rushed toward Hastings, gasping, “I’m shot, I’m shot,” before staggering to the back office and collapsing.
Inside, Yoko Ono, Lennon’s wife, was desperately pleading for an ambulance amid the chaos.
Hastings swiftly dialed 911 while another doorman, Jose, had already triggered the police alert.
During this turmoil, Lennon’s assailant, later identified as Mark David Chapman, remained within the premises.
Determined to prevent Chapman’s escape, Hastings retrieved a billy club from a safe and moved to confront the perpetrator.
Approaching Chapman, Hastings was struck by an eerie sight— the gunman, facing the wall, absorbed in reading a book.
When law enforcement arrived, Hastings, bloodied and disheveled, directed their attention to Chapman. The culprit was apprehended and subsequently sentenced to 20-years-to-life for the heinous act.
Despite immediate transport to Roosevelt Hospital, Lennon couldn’t be saved, succumbing to his injuries upon arrival. His passing marked a profound loss in the music world and beyond.
