A Nashville private Christian elementary school is left devastated after a shooting took the lives of three 9-year-olds and three adults, marking the deadliest US school shooting in almost a year. The Covenant School, a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church, has become the 19th school or university to experience a shooting resulting in at least one injury in 2023, according to a CNN count.
"Our community is heartbroken," the school said in a statement, expressing gratitude to first responders for their swift actions and appreciation for the outpouring of support.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee shared a heartfelt video message on Tuesday night, stating, "All of Tennessee was hurt yesterday." The following is what we know about the victims:
Evelyn Dieckhaus
Evelyn, aged 9, was one of the young victims. Her family issued a statement through CNN affiliate KMOV, thanking the community for their love and support while requesting privacy as they grieve. "Evelyn was a shining light in this world," the statement read.
Mike Hill
Mike Hill, 61, was the cherished school custodian and a father to seven children. Known as "Big Mike" to students, Hill was part of the facilities and kitchen staff. A statement from his family, shared by CNN affiliate WSMV, revealed his love for cooking and spending time with his 14 grandchildren. Nashville parents established a GoFundMe page to help cover Hill's funeral expenses.
Brittany Hill, his daughter, shared her grief on Facebook, stating that her father "absolutely loved" his job and expressing condolences for the loss of the children.
Katherine Koonce
Katherine Koonce, 60, was the head of the school. Friends and former co-workers Kim and Monica Lee spoke with reporters about Koonce's commitment to her students and faculty, describing her as having a great sense of humor and confidence. Koonce had the ability to make everyone she interacted with feel important.
Cynthia Peak
Cynthia Peak, 61, was a substitute teacher at the school. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee spoke about his wife Maria's close friendship with Peak and their long-standing connection with Koonce. Louisiana state Representative Charles Anthony Owen also shared memories of Peak from his childhood, expressing the grief felt in her hometown of Leesville, Louisiana.
Hallie Scruggs
Nine-year-old Hallie Scruggs was the daughter of Covenant Presbyterian Church Lead Pastor Chad Scruggs. Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas, a sister church that Scruggs had previously served, released a statement expressing their love for the Scruggs family and their mourning for Hallie.
William Kinney
The other victim of the shooting was 9-year-old William Kinney.
