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Hero teen survived shooting, identified gunman
17 Aug
Summary
- A 13-year-old girl survived a shooting spree and identified the gunman.
- Her brother, 16, was among the victims of the shooting.
- The gunman, believed to be a 39-year-old local man, also died by suicide.
In a tragic incident in Lake City, Michigan, 13-year-old Bella Padilla Everitt emerged as a hero after surviving a shooting that claimed multiple lives, including her brother Eric Thomas, 16. Despite sustaining gunshot wounds, Bella bravely called 911 and provided crucial details that led authorities to identify the alleged gunman, 39-year-old Chad Hickman. Hickman also died, believed to be by suicide.
Bella, who was shot in her bedroom, was transported to a Grand Rapids hospital for surgery. Her grandfather described her as "out of it" but conscious enough to make the life-saving call. She has since been upgraded from critical to stable condition and is reportedly talking with her father.
The shooting spree also claimed the lives of Bella's mother's boyfriend, Shane McGowan, 47, and her mother, Amanda Everitt. The family had gathered for Eric's birthday just the week prior, enjoying activities like fishing and jet skiing, highlighting the stark contrast to the violence that ensued.
A GoFundMe page has been established to assist the family with funeral expenses and other needs. Memorial services are planned for a later date. The family, deeply affected by the tragedy, is focused on Bella's recovery and remembering the lives lost.
