Friends of Kearn Nedd said he was acting completely in character when he stepped in to try to stop a robbery.

The 28-year-old Brampton resident was fatally shot in the chest Saturday afternoon as he tried to help someone who was being attacked, Peel police said.

“He was trying to be a good citizen and do what’s right. He was always the type of guy that would help somebody in need. He wasn’t the type of guy that would just walk away,” Nenad Cvejic said.

Cvejic met Nedd — whom friends know as “Kee Kee” — five years ago when both were training in mixed martial arts at Kombat Arts Training Academy.

They share the same Facebook profile picture: a photo of Nedd taking a swing at Cvejic, his sparring partner, during practice.

Nedd took his fighting very seriously and trained in kickboxing and jiu-jitsu at two different gyms, Cvejic said. But he always made time for other people.

“Whenever someone was preparing for a fight, he would always be there helping you out, in terms of just giving moral support or being in a corner watching you to point out your mistakes,” he said.”

Nedd wanted to become a professional MMA fighter, Cvejic said.

“Me and him were going to have pro debuts in MMA sometime this year. That was our common goal,” he said. “Well, it’s just me now.”

Police said the incident took place at The Rozz Restaurant and Entertainment Complex, on Advance Blvd.

The banquet hall was hosting an event that involved gambling and two suspects allegedly tried to rob one of the winners, sources said. Nedd stepped in to stop the robbery, but was shot, sources added.

Police are seeking at least two males wanted in connection with the murder.

With files from Madeleine White