GRAND BLAN, Mich. — A tragic shooting at a Mormon Church in Michigan on Sunday resulted in the deaths of four people and left eight others injured. Among the injured were a woman’s father, her husband—a navy veteran—and several children.
In response to this horrific event, friends and family members have created a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses and hospital bills, aiming to pick up the pieces after this terrible incident at the Grand Blanc congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
One of the victims, John Bond, 77, was shot and killed by a US Marine Corps veteran named Thomas Sanford after the assailant drove his truck into the church and opened fire. Described by his family as a passionate golfer and train enthusiast, Bond cherished time spent with his family and grandchildren.
The oldest victim, Craig Hayden, 78, was the father of one of the injured. He reportedly died trying to save another victim during the attack.
“My in-laws dedicated their lives to serving both God and their community,” a family member shared, emphasizing that they didn’t seek only heavenly rewards.
So far, the family has raised over $25,000 through the GoFundMe page, helping Bond’s wife, who has been married to him for over 50 years, as she faces the daunting challenge of living expenses alone now.
Green mentioned that messages of support poured in from friends and community members, acknowledging that “tomorrow is never promised.”
Little Piper Hickens, a six-year-old kindergartner and the youngest victim of the shooting, was injured but has since been released from treatment. As of Tuesday, she was back home playing in her backyard.
Neighbor Hillary Brocks shared that she was caring for Piper’s home while her family visited other victims at the hospital. Interestingly, although Piper was hit in the back, no bullets were discovered.
Brocks reflected on the situation, noting that amidst the horror, there were “many little miracles.” While the attack “shattered your sense of safety,” she felt her faith grew stronger as she processed the experience.
Authorities confirmed that all individuals present during the shooting on September 28 have been identified. Attempts to reach Grand Blanc Police Chief William Reigner and Henry Ford Genesis Hospital for comments went unanswered.
