HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A father is mourning his 7-year-old daughter Piper after she was drowned by her mother one month ago.
Police said Brandi Elliott admitted to killing her in Drakes Creek along a greenway in Hendersonville.
Now, her father, Jon Elliott, who stayed at home to raise Piper, hopes her memory lives on.
"I'm proud of the little girl I raised. I'm just sad she's gone. I miss her," he told us.
He said she was a big fan of music, fishing, dancing, Disney princesses, and anything with Gordon Ramsey. She was also very loving and affectionate, even winning the "best hugs award" at school.
"She was just 7 but she made so many people's day and touched so many people's lives," he said.
A memorial left for Piper, near Sanders Ferry Road where she was lost, has grown every day since she's been gone. Soon, community members hope to install a bench and plaque in her honor and name the nearby walkway "Piper's Pathway".
Her father says Piper's funeral will be this Saturday.
Her mother, Brandi Elliott, remains in jail, charged with first-degree murder.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at nikki.hauser@newschannel5.com.
Journalism is at its best when we can shine a light on an issue that needs more attention. Once again, Hannah McDonald does this beautifully by highlighting the hardships of teens aging out of the foster care system. I learned something new in her reporting and am inspired by the work I AM NEXT is doing to make a difference. I think you will be too!
-Carrie Sharp