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Remembering Mike Hill, the Custodian Killed in Nashville Shooting
Mike Hill, a 61-year-old custodian was among the six people killed in a mass shooting at a Nashville elementary school. He was remembered for his loving nature, culinary skills, and faith. At Hill’s funeral at Stephens Valley Church, pastor Jim Bachmann said the congregation’s hearts were aching for the man they called “Big Mike”. Bachmann described Hill as soft and tender and said, “He hugged my kids, and he hugged your kids, and he knew them by name.” Hill was one of the few African American members of Stephens Valley, a mostly white suburban church that he attended because of his friendship with Bachmann.
A Life Well-Lived
Hill had seven children and 14 grandchildren, and he liked spending time with his family and cooking, according to an obituary. He was known for bringing freshly baked chocolate chip cookies to his friend Bachmann. For special occasions, he might bring a pecan or chess pie.
The Shooting
Hill was one of three adults and three 9-year-old students who were killed in the March 27 mass shooting at The Covenant School. The police shot and killed the 28-year-old former student who carried out the attack. At a news conference, several officers described how they had to step around victims and run towards gunfire to find the attacker. The department has said that during the attack, the shooter fired 152 rounds before being killed by police.
Funerals and Calls for Action
The Metro Nashville Police Department brought in several officers to recount how they pursued the shooter at the school. Chief John Drake has attended the funerals held so far. Tragedies like this are evocative of not just grief but also anger and confusion. Bachmann said he doesn’t have the answers, but he called on those assembled to follow Jesus’s commandment to “love one another as I have loved you.” Drake said the school’s active shooter training likely prevented more deaths.
A World with Love
Bachmann said he doesn’t have the answers, but he called on those assembled to follow Jesus’s commandment to “love one another as I have loved you.” “Love one another and we will have the kind of world we want,” he said. “And we’ll have peace like a river and righteousness like the waves of the sea.”
The Heroes of the Story
Several officers recounted their experience on the day of the shooting during a news conference. Rex Engelbert and Det. Sgt. Jeff Mathes were among the first officers to enter the school while Det. Michael Collazo entered through the glass door. Police have said Engelbert and Collazo were the officers who fired their weapons at the shooter.
