- A 17-year-old girl named Saturah Hayes was fatally shot during a pre-prom gathering in Brownsville, Tennessee.
- Four others were injured in the incident, with their conditions remaining unclear.
- Haywood High School canceled prom early and classes were suspended to mourn the shooting's impact on the community.
- The local community gathered to honor Hayes, described as a hardworking student with dreams of becoming a nurse.
- No arrests have been made yet, and an investigation is ongoing with assistance from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
BROWNSVILLE, TENNESSEE — A night meant for photos, celebration, and prom memories turned tragic when gunfire erupted near a Tennessee park, killing a 17-year-old girl and injuring 4 others. The violence adds to recent Tennessee stories involving sudden trauma and recovery, including one where a Tennessee woman lost her leg after being attacked by her own pit bull.
Saturah Hayes, a Haywood High School student, was fatally shot Friday evening near Webb Banks Park in Brownsville. Students had reportedly gathered in formal wear to take photos before the school’s prom when shots were fired.
Police said 5 people with gunshot wounds were taken to the hospital. Hayes later died from her injuries. The conditions of the other victims were not immediately clear.
Pre-Prom Gathering Turns Deadly
The shooting happened shortly before Haywood High School’s prom event. What began as a gathering for students, families, and friends quickly turned into a chaotic scene as gunfire broke out near the park.
Officials have not confirmed how many of the injured victims were students.
Haywood High School ended its prom early after the shooting. Haywood County Schools also canceled classes on Monday, May 11, to give students, families, faculty, and staff time to grieve.
School Remembers Saturah Hayes
Haywood County Schools Superintendent Amie Marsh identified the teen killed as Saturah Hayes.
Marsh described Hayes as a hardworking student with a positive attitude and said she was full of potential and promise.
“The senseless tragedy that occurred last night leaves a hole in our hearts and will forever change the lives of all the families touched by this unspeakable event,” Marsh said.
She also asked the community to continue supporting the students and families injured in the shooting, saying they had only been trying to celebrate their children before the violence unfolded.
Community Mourns Teen’s Death
The Brownsville community gathered Sunday as Hayes’ remains were escorted through town. Hundreds of people lined the streets to support her family and mourn the teen’s death.
Brownsville Mayor William “Bill” Rawls said the city was heartbroken by the shooting and called the violence senseless.
“We shouldn’t be here today doing this,” Rawls said, according to local reports. “It’s just senseless.”
Friends remembered Hayes as kind, cheerful, and full of life. Some said she had dreams of becoming a nurse.
Investigation Ongoing
No arrests had been announced as of the latest reports.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is assisting local authorities and asking anyone with information, photos, or video from the scene to come forward.
Haywood County Sheriff Billy Garrett Jr. said his office is committed to using all available resources to bring justice for Hayes’ family.
To watch more cases about celebrations that turned tragic, check out our video here:
