Helliwell, who of late had been living in the Virgin Islands and working toward his captain’s license, was a 1987 graduate of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. But it was as a music promoter that he made a name for himself locally in the ’90s — first through his involvement with the Northampton-based Loud Festival, then by booking summer shows at the Wellfleet Beachcomber on Cape Cod, and by the end of the decade as an independent agent who placed shows in venues including the Cape Cod Melody Tent and the downstairs room at the Middle East. His company was called Baitfish Productions, and for a time he maintained an office in a Chinatown loft that doubled as a late-night hangout for friends and scenesters. He is remembered around town as a guy who wasn’t afraid to think big and who was always a passionate booster of the bands he loved.

According to published reports, Helliwell, who would have turned 37 last Saturday, and his girlfriend Rosemond Dane, 36, were visiting the apartment of the actress, 39-year-old Jennifer Stahl, when the two gunmen arrived. Dane survived, but Stahl, Helliwell, and 32-year-old Steven King were killed. Another survivor, 37-year-old Anthony Veader, was able to call 911. The Helliwell family has created the Trey Helliwell Memorial Fund, which will support programs to teach children about the sea. Donations can be sent c/o Scott Fabyan, Salomon Smith Barney, 53 State Street, Boston, MA 02109.