GRAND BLANC, Michigan — The tragic incident on Sunday at a Mormon church in Michigan, which resulted in the deaths of four members and injuries to eight others, has shaken the community. Among the deceased are a cherished husband and father, a grandfather who served in the Navy, as well as a young dancer in kindergarten along with her parents.
In the aftermath, many families of the victims have initiated GoFundMe campaigns to help cover funeral costs, medical expenses, and the emotional toll these losses have inflicted on their lives following the horrific attack at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc.
John Bond, aged 77, lost his life during the attack carried out by former Marine Thomas Sanford, who crashed his vehicle into the church and opened fire. Bond was celebrated by his family as a passionate golf and train enthusiast who relished time with his family.
Craig Hayden, the oldest victim at 78, was a loving husband and father, who tragically died while trying to help another individual during the chaos, as shared in a statement from his family.
Stay Updated on The Post’s Coverage of the Michigan Church Shooting
- Thomas Sanford’s family ‘totally in disbelief’ over his violent outburst
- Prior arrests of Thomas Sanford disclosed, as all churchgoers from the incident are identified
- Sanford labeled Mormonism ‘the antichrist’ in a heated exchange with a city council candidate
- The gunman’s mother shared a chilling post about ‘avoiding accountability’ just days before the event
As Terry Green, Hayden’s son-in-law and owner of Billmeier Camera Shop in Fenton, Michigan noted, “My in-laws were quintessential members of the community who devoted their lives to serving others, seeking nothing but heavenly rewards in return.”
So far, the family has managed to raise over $25,000 to assist with the financial burden on Hayden’s wife, who now faces numerous expenses alone after over five decades of marriage.
Green expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community, urging friends to embrace their families because “life is unpredictable.”
Among the young victims was six-year-old Piper Hickens, a kindergartner and dancer who was injured alongside her parents, Brandi and Jared. A GoFundMe page for the family has gathered $3,800 thus far.
Though they were injured, the family has been treated and discharged. On a recent visit to their home, Piper was seen playing in the backyard. A neighbor, Hilary Brox, mentioned that while watching the house, she learned that the little girl had been hit in the back, yet the bullet remains unfound.
Brox reflected on the situation, stating, “Amidst the horror, there have been many small miracles. Even though such a traumatic event shakes your sense of security, my faith has become even more resilient following this experience.”
Authorities have confirmed that all individuals present during the September 28 shooting have been accounted for and identified.
Unfortunately, neither Grand Blanc Police Chief William Renye nor representatives from Henry Ford Genesys Hospital, where eight of the shooting victims were treated, responded to The Post’s inquiries for more information.
