It was a bittersweet scene as hundreds of people poured into Crossroads Florence Church Tuesday evening to mourn the loss of four victims and show support for the three victims who survived the mass shooting that happened on Saturday morning in Florence.
Florence Mayor Julie Metzger Aubuchon attended the memorial and addressed the community with an emotional speech.
“I had the opportunity of visiting Chloe, Claire, Connor [the three surviving victims] yesterday in the hospital,” Aubuchon said. “They are fighting. Tonight, as we gather at Crossroads Florence, we can connect, support one another, and begin that healing process.”
The incident, during which seven people were shot, occurred at a 21st birthday party at a home along Ridgecrest Drive. Shane Miller, 20, Hayden Rybicki, 20, Delaney Eary, 19 and Melissa Parrett, 44, all died that night.
The suspect, 21-year-old Chase Garvey, led police on a pursuit before he apparently shot himself, causing his vehicle to crash. Garvey died at the hospital.
There are still three victims recovering in the hospital. Among them is 19-year-old Chloe Parrett.
Bruce Parrett, Chloe’s father and ex-husband of Melissa Parrett, says that Chloe’s mother is the reason she is alive. Chloe has a long road of recovery ahead as both of her lungs were affected by her injuries and are unable to hold air, according to her father.
“She’s never going to be the same,” Parrett said about his daughter’s recovery.
Attending the memorial was his first time leaving the hospital since Chloe was admitted. Parrett was overwhelmed and surprised to see the outpouring of support.
“The support is just phenomenal. I thought there would be a few people that knew us and knew the other families, but this is definitely the village coming together to help those in need,” he said.
While Parrett is grateful for the support, he says his outlook for the future is grim.
“I mean, I’m not very hopeful for the future. I really am not after this has happened. I love the support, but it’s just so devastating. Now I’m worried about things like this happening again. If it happened to me, it could happen to anybody. And I hate to see that other families are going to have to go through situations like this.”
He says guns are too easily accessible to people who shouldn’t have them.
Garvey had a prior criminal history, including sexual assault against a 13-year-old minor. He had been on probation since 2022, according to the Kentucky Department of Corrections.
“… I don’t know what the answer is, but I know what the answer is not,” said Parrett. “The answer is not sitting on our hands and doing nothing.”
When asked about what has been discussed so far about preventing incidents like these in the future, Aubuchon said that right now her attention is on supporting the victims and community.
“I’m going to be very honest,” said Aubuchon. “That’s not in our focus because it’s not in our control. Our focus is those grieving families and those in the hospital. These conversations will take place.”
Aubuchon emphasizes the need for support during this time, and making that support even more accessible.
“Our community needs healing, and we want to start that conversation tomorrow at our government center,” said Aubuchon. “Our human services administrator has assembled a team of very qualified mental health professionals who can address any of the needs and start the process of healing for those in the community who need it. “
There will be mental health professionals and support animals at the Florence Government Center Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Click through to see photos from the emotional evening.
A candle is held up during the vigil for the Florence mass shooting victims. Hailey Roden | LINK nky 
The light of the candles glimmer as friends and family engage in prayer. Hailey Roden | LINK nky 
Friends go in for a hug before the evening of prayer. Hailey Roden | LINK nky 
The names of the four victims are displayed on the screens during the final prayer and candlelight vigil. Hailey Roden | LINK nky 
Florence Mayor Julie Metzger Aubuchon expresses her condolences to the family and the community as a whole. Hailey Roden | LINK nky 
Florence Crossroads Community Pastor Kacie Bryant leads the group in prayer. Hailey Roden | LINK nky 
Soft music plays as guests take their seats for the Community Night of Prayer. Hailey Roden | LINK nky 
Guests embrace as people fill in the church. Hailey Roden | LINK nky 
Therapy dogs walk around the church with their handlers for guests who may need a break. Hailey Roden | LINK nky 
Many are seen leaving a kind note for the family on the prayer board. Hailey Roden | LINK nky