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
The family of Michael Hill, the beloved Covenant School custodian killed in the school shooting, sent us a statement. Let us wrap are hearts around these victims and their families. @NC5 pic.twitter.com/HADRvQAcL1
— Kelsey Gibbs (@kelseymgibbs) March 28, 2023
"We would like to thank the Nashville community for all the continued thoughts and prayers," the family shared. "As we grieve and try to grasp any sense of understanding of why this happened, we continue to ask for support. We pray for the Covenant School and are so grateful that Michael was beloved by the faculty and students who filled him with joy for 14 years."
In addition to being a beloved member of the school, Hill was beloved by his family.
"He was a father of seven children (Marquita Oglesby, Brittney Hill, Shakita Dobbins, Ebony Smith, Joshua Smith, Tawana Smith Garner, Jeremy Smith) and 14 grandchildren," the statement continued, adding that the proud dad and grandfather loved to cook and spend time with his family.
The statement triggered an outpouring of emotion after it was shared on Twitter
"Father of seven. Grandfather of 14," one person tweeted. "What a loss. My heart goes out to the many people that loved him."
"This is gut-wrenching," said another. "Praying for his family."
"This breaks my heart!" added someone else, who said that Hill looked like he was "a sweet soul."
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.
