Six people are dead following a mass shooting in rural northern Michigan, a tragedy that has left a small community reeling and sparked an outpouring of financial support for a surviving teenager who alerted authorities. The violent multi-location incident unfolded in Missaukee County, a sparsely populated region near Cadillac and Lake City, leaving local residents and families grappling with sudden, devastating loss.
Among the victims of the Friday, Aug. 14 rampage were 40-year-old Amanda Everitt and her 16-year-old son, Eric, according to family statements shared on social media. Police identified the suspected gunman as 39-year-old Chad Hickman of Lake City, who investigators believe died by suicide following a multi-site rampage across the county. As loved ones and neighbors attempt to process the violence, a community fundraiser has been launched to assist the family of the victims, focusing heavily on aiding a 13-year-old survivor who demonstrated extraordinary bravery during the attack.
Authorities and family members confirmed that 13-year-old Bella Padilla Everitt survived being shot four times during the incident at her home. Despite her severe injuries, the teenager managed to dial 911, alert first responders, and provide crucial information identifying the shooter. Megan Brown, chief communications officer for Munson Healthcare, stated that Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital treated one victim from the Friday incident before transferring that patient to an outside facility for further specialized care. Family friend Kimberly West Moffit reported that Bella was in stable condition at a Grand Rapids hospital over the weekend.
Community Fundraiser and Family Impact
In the wake of the mass homicide, Kailey Kozminski organized an online crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe to help cover immediate funeral expenses for Amanda and Eric Everitt, as well as long-term physical and emotional support for Bella. Kozminski noted that donations will also assist Bella’s father, Michael, with lodging expenses in the Grand Rapids area so he can remain by her side throughout her recovery process. By Monday morning, the fundraiser had garnered nearly $13,400 toward its $25,000 goal, reflecting a broad wave of local and regional sympathy.
David Everitt, Amanda’s father and a resident of Cadillac, expressed his grief and frustration publicly over the weekend while sharing the fundraiser details online. Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of his daughter and grandson, Everitt described the incident as a devastating blow to his family and issued a public plea emphasizing the importance of teaching compassion and kindness to younger generations.
Investigation and Scope Across Missaukee County
The Michigan State Police and local authorities reported that the violence spanned at least three distinct locations across Missaukee County, a rural area home to approximately 15,000 residents. In addition to the fatalities at the Everitt home—which included an unidentified 45-year-old man—investigators located the suspect, Chad Hickman, dead in a wooded area near Whitlock Lake in Caldwell Township. A 29-year-old woman was also found deceased at that secondary location. Furthermore, state troopers discovered a fourth body, identified as a 53-year-old male, at a separate residential property within the county.
Law enforcement officials have not yet disclosed a potential motive for the attacks or clarified the precise relationships among all individuals involved across the various crime scenes. As the investigation remains active, local residents gathered in the community over the weekend to share support, pray, and begin navigating the psychological aftermath of the regional tragedy.
If you or someone you know is affected by violence or experiencing a mental health crisis, support and resources are available through local health networks and crisis intervention services. We invite readers to share their thoughts and reflections respectfully in the comments below.
