NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — On Monday, the Nashville community lost six people, including three children to a senseless tragedy at The Covenant School.
As we learn more about the victims, we want to share with you just how much light they brought to the community. We will continue to update this story as we learn more information about these individuals.
Michael Hill:
61-year-old Mike Hill worked for The Covenant School for more than a decade.
His family had this to say about him and the shooting.
"We would like to thank the Nashville community for all the continued thoughts and prayers. 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. He was a father of seven children (Marquita Oglesby, Brittany Hill, Shakita Dobbins, Ebony Smith, Joshua Smith, Tawana Smith Garner, Jeremy Smith) and 14 grandchildren. He liked to cook and spend time with family."
A GoFundMe has been created for Hill. All money raised will be given to Mike’s family for funeral services, expenses and to further dedicate to causes close to their hearts to facilitate healing in the Covenant and Nashville communities.
Dr. Katherine Koonce:
59-year-old Katherine Koonce was the Head of School for The Covenant School.
She was born December 18, 1963, in Baton Rouge, LA and attended LSU before transferring to Vanderbilt University.
A student said Koonce was a champion of students who made sure no child was left behind. She tutored students independently until accepting the position of Learning Services Director, and later the Academic Dean with Christ Presbyterian Academy.
She became the Head of The Covenant School in 2016.
Evelyn Dieckhaus:
9-year-old Evelyn Dieckhaus was a student at The Covenant School.
Her family, some of whom live in Missouri shared this statement and photo, per our St. Louis CBS affiliate.
“Our hearts are completely broken. We cannot believe this has happened. Evelyn was a shining light in this world. We appreciate all the love and support but ask for space as we grieve."
A new fund has been set up in Evelyn's name.
Hallie Scruggs:
Hallie Scruggs was the youngest of the Scruggs kids, and according to her family, loved unicorns and ninjas. She loved playing soccer and basketball, and she was adventurous with a spunky spirit.
Above all, her family says she loved Jesus.
A GoFundMe has been created to help pay for the 9-year-old's funeral expenses and any other unexpected expenses in the coming weeks.
Cynthia Peak:
She was a substitute teacher at Covenant. She's described as being selfless with her time, giving it up to make sure the young minds always had an educator who loved them and wanted them to do their best.
Family said Peak had an unwavering faith in Christ which carried her through life. Her favorite roles in life were being a mom to her three children, a wife to her husband and an educator to students.
They said she loved to take sunset walks with her husband, Chris. She was 61.
William Kinney:
9-year-old William was described as unfailingly kind, gentle, quick to laugh and always inclusive of others. He played baseball at Crieve Hall Baseball Park. He loved his sisters. He adored his parents, grandparents aunts and uncles.
A GoFundMe has been created where people can help donate to help with Will's funeral expenses, as well as give the family time to grieve in the way they need to without financial urgency.
Another GoFundMe has been created for all of the victims if you would like to donate to the Nashville Covenant School Shooting Fund.
