The communities of Bowie, Maryland, and Atlanta, Georgia, are grieving the sudden loss of Kirk Pressley, affectionately known as “Boom Balenciaga.” His death has left friends and colleagues stunned, struggling to process the absence of a man many describe as pure energy, warmth, and joy in human form.
Kirk made his home in Bowie, where his life and work were deeply intertwined with the city he loved. He was a dedicated staff member at Bowie State University, a place that was far more than a job to him. It was a living community, and Kirk showed up every day determined to make it kinder, louder with laughter, and more inclusive.
He was also a proud Bowie State alumnus, earning his degree in communications with a focus on musical theater and social justice. Those weren’t just academic interests. They were a blueprint for how he lived. Kirk believed in the power of voice, performance, and fairness, and he used all three to lift others up.
On campus, Kirk was widely known for his authenticity. He listened closely, spoke honestly, and treated everyone with the same respect, whether they were students, coworkers, or first-time visitors. People often said conversations with him felt real, unforced, and reassuring, like being reminded that you mattered.
His commitment to social justice wasn’t something he turned on for special occasions. It showed up in daily choices, in how he defended others, and in how boldly he celebrated difference. Kirk believed people should be seen fully and loved openly, and he lived that belief without apology.
Before college, Kirk attended Gwynn Park High School, where his creativity and confidence were already impossible to miss. Friends from those years recall his expressive nature and fearless sense of self. As time passed, those qualities only grew stronger, shaping the man so many came to admire.
Known for his infectious smile and commanding presence, Kirk had a rare ability to shift the mood of any room. Laughter followed him. So did encouragement. His nickname, “Boom Balenciaga,” captured his bold spirit, creative edge, and refusal to shrink himself to make others comfortable.
In a message shared by loved ones, his passing was announced “with great sadness, shock, and disbelief,” noting the many communities he filled with love, life, and energy. They asked for continued prayers for his family, friends, and the countless people whose lives he touched. Kirk Pressley’s legacy lives on in the confidence he inspired, the joy he spread, and the reminder he left behind: be yourself, fully and loudly, because the world is better when you do.
