Photos & Identity Of The 6 Victims Of Nashville School Shooting

Nashville School Shooting Victims Identified

Monday’s attack was the deadliest US school shooting in nearly a year and the 19th shooting at a school or university so far in 2023 that left at least one person wounded, a CNN count shows.

“Our community is heartbroken,” The Covenant School, a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church, said in a statement, expressing thanks to first responders for their quick response and those showing support for the school.

“We are grieving tremendous loss and are in shock coming out of the terror that shattered our school and church. We are focused on loving our students, our families, our faculty and staff and beginning the process of healing,” the school said.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

“All of Tennessee was hurt yesterday,” Gov. Bill Lee said in a video statement released Tuesday night.

Here’s what we know so far about the victims:

Evelyn Dieckhaus

Evelyn was 9, police said. While her family appreciates all the love and support they’ve received, they’re asking for space as they grieve, according to a family statement obtained by CNN affiliate KMOV.

“Our hearts are completely broken. We cannot believe this has happened,” the statement said. “Evelyn was a shining light in this world.”

Mike Hill

Hill, 61, was a beloved custodian at the school, police said, and a father of seven children.

Known as “Big Mike” to students, Hill was a member of the facilities/kitchen staff, according to the school website.

The staff member loved to cook and spend time with his family, according to a family statement obtained by CNN affiliate WSMV. He had 14 grandchildren.

Katherine Koonce

Koonce was 60, police said, and head of the school.

She attended Vanderbilt University and Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville and got her master’s degree from Georgia State University, the school said.

Jim and Monica Lee, friends and former co-workers of Koonce, spoke Tuesday with reporters about her dedication.

Cynthia Peak

Peak, 61, was a substitute teacher at the school, according to police and officials.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee talked about the close relationship his wife Maria had with Peak. The teacher was supposed to come over to the Lee home Monday evening for dinner.

“Maria woke up this morning without one of her best friends,” said Lee.

Hallie Scruggs

Hallie was 9, police said, and the daughter of Covenant Presbyterian Church Lead Pastor Chad Scruggs, according to a statement by Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas, a sister church Scruggs formerly served.

“We love the Scruggs family and mourn with them over their precious daughter Hallie,” the Texas congregation’s Senior Pastor Mark Davis said. “Together, we trust in the power of Christ to draw near and give us the comfort and hope we desperately need.”

William Kinney

9-year-old William Kinney was killed as well, according to police reports.