A family in Nashville has launched a GoFundMe campaign for the family of "Big Mike" Mike Hill, who was one of the six victims killed in a shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, this week.
Hill, who served as the school's custodian for nearly 15 years, was a father to eight children and a grandfather to close to a dozen kids, ChurchLeaders.com reports.
"Mike's family is aware of this fundraising effort and has been beyond moved by the outpouring of love. In the wake of this tragedy, they ask for continued prayers and strength and thank the Nashville community and beyond for their thoughts, prayers and donations," Anne Puricelli, who created the online campaign, wrote in the description.
"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," she added.
"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," Puricelli says.
On Monday, a former student of The Covenant School armed with assault weapons shot and killed three adults and three students at the school. The shooter, Audrey Hale, a 28-year-old biological female who identifies as male, was shot and killed by two officers on the scene.
Among those killed were nine-year-olds Evelyn Dieckhaus, William Kinney and Hallie Scruggs and adults Hill, 61; Cynthia Peak, 61; and Katherine Koonce, 60. Scruggs is the daughter of Covenant Presbyterian Church's current pastor, Chad Scruggs. The school is affiliated with the church.
Bachmann, founding pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church, told CBS Mornings that he was friends with Hill and will preside over his funeral.
"Everybody loved Mike," Bachmann, who no longer serves as the church's pastor, says.
"I'm white. He's black. It didn't make any difference," he added.
Bachmann recalled that Mike went far beyond his duties as a custodian.
"Mike knew the kids in the school, knew their names. He took a very personal interest in them."
As of this writing, the GoFundMe campaign for Hill's family has raised $542,895, far exceeding its $25,000 goal.
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Seth Herald/Stringer
Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributing writer for CrosswalkHeadlines and the host of the For Your Soul Podcast, a podcast devoted to sound doctrine and biblical truth. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary.
