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29th Mar 2023

9-year-old Nashville shooting victim died trying to save others

Kat O'Connor

“Evelyn was a shining light”

9-year-old Nashville school shooting victim Evelyn Dieckhaus died a hero.

The schoolgirl was killed by shooter Audrey Hale after she tried to pull the fire alarm.

Evelyn attempted to raise the alarm after the 28-year-old shooter entered The Covenant School in Nashville.

She has been remembered as a hero who died trying to protect her classmates and teachers.

Evelyn’s family issued a statement following her untimely death:

“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.”

9-year-old pupils Hallie Scruggs and William Kinney were also killed during the school shooting.

Mike Hill (61), Cynthia Peak (61), and Katherine Koonce (60) were also killed during the senseless attack.

Metro Nashville Police Department issued a statement following the harrowing shooting.

“Chief John Drake and the men and women of the MNPD join all of Nashville in mourning today’s deaths of six innocent persons, three nine-year-olds and three adults, at the hands of an active shooter at Covenant Church/School on Burton Hills Drive.”

Audrey Hale planned the shooting.

28-year-old Audrey Hale claimed the lives of six innocent people after opening fire at her former school.

“Officers rushed to the campus, made entry, and then began clearing the building.

“Officers went to the gunfire. When they got to the second floor and saw the shooter, a female. There was a five-member unit that was on the second floor at the time.

“She had two assault rifles and a handgun. She entered the school through a side entrance and went from the first school to the second floor. By 10:27 am, the shooter was dead.”

Following the Nashville school shooting, they searched Hale’s home.

Police also found a sawed-off shotgun, a second shotgun, and other evidence during the search.

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