Michael Hill, 61, was one of six victims who was shot and killed on Monday, March 27, during the shooting at Covenant School, a private Christian elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee. To the students who loved him, he was known affectionately as "Big Mike," the friendly custodian who was frequently seen around the school. But to his family, he was so much more.
On Tuesday, while still reeling from their grief, Hill's family issued a statement of gratitude for all of the support they've received so far since the news of his death.
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While the statement was brief, it highlights the deep loss felt by the entire Hill family
According to his family, he certainly was
A GoFundMe has since been set up by several Nashville parents, who say they are "dedicated to honoring this hero." Since Monday, the page has already managed to raise over $171,000.
"Nashville is a small community, tight-knit and one which felt especially safe — until March 27, 2023," reads a statement on the fundraiser page. "Mike’s family deserves peace of mind that his loss was not in vain and that some good can come from it. His legacy can live on through goodwill and love. In the end, love should always win."
"Mike, thank you for protecting Nashville’s children," the statement continues. "While every single loss in a shooting like this is an inexcusable tragedy, Mike is one who should not be overlooked in the wake of this senseless loss."
In addition to Hill, five other victims have been identified by police
They include three children, Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney, who were all 9 years old, as well as faculty members Cynthia Peak, 61, and Katherine Koonce, 60.
A 9-year-old known for brightening up the neighborhood.
A custodian who loved students like they were his own kids.
And a school leader who was determined to help every child.
These were some of the victims of the Nashville Christian school shooting. https://t.co/voQnR0TdlV
— NBC News (@NBCNews) March 28, 2023
The victims were all shot and killed inside Covenant School after a 28-year-old former student, later identified as Audrey Hale, allegedly opened fire in the halls.
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According to Nashville Police Chief John Drake, the shooting is believed to have been intentional and pre-meditated, but the victims themselves had no known connection to the shooter.
"We feel that these students who were targeted were randomly targeted," Drake said on Tuesday, according to CBS News.
Don Aaron, the director of media relations at the police department, later clarified that while there is "no evidence that individuals were specifically targeted" in the shooting, "this school, this church building was a target of the shooter."
As of now, a specific motive remains unknown.
