Category: Uncategorized

In Loving Memory: Blakely McLeod McCrory
2016–2025

It is with deep sorrow that we remember Blakely McLeod McCrory, who tragically passed away at just 8 years old during the Texas Hill Country floods at Camp Mystic. In the days before her untimely departure, she penned a heartfelt letter to her loving mother, Lindsey, sharing the pure joy she found in her first-ever camp experience.

Blakely wrote with shining delight about:

• The freedom and wonder she felt riding horses — each gallop a moment of pure happiness.

• The excitement of learning tennis, feeling the thrill of her first swings.

• The sense of adventure and courage it took to embrace camp life on her own — a milestone she truly treasured.

Though her time was cut far too short, Blakely’s spirit was brave, her heart open, and her laughter sincere. She saw beauty in new experiences and faced them all with trust, joy, and an infectious love for life.

Her mother, Lindsey, hopes that sharing Blakely’s words and memories will keep her bright light alive — a light that inspired all who knew her to approach life with innocence, openness, and love.

In Memoriam: Gerard H. “Jerry” Killenberger

It is with deep regret and profound sorrow that the Minisink Hook & Ladder Co. #1 and the Goshen Fire District announce the passing of one of their most respected and beloved members, Gerard H. “Jerry” Killenberger.

Jerry was not only a dedicated firefighter — he was a pillar of strength, service, and integrity within our community. His decades of unwavering commitment, selfless bravery, and leadership set an example for all who had the privilege to serve alongside him. Whether responding to emergencies or mentoring the next generation, Jerry embodied the very best of what it means to serve.

His loss is deeply felt not only by his fellow firefighters but by the entire Goshen community. Jerry was more than a colleague — he was a friend, a mentor, and a steady, reassuring presence in times of both triumph and tragedy.

Our hearts go out to Jerry’s family and loved ones. We honor his memory and express our deepest gratitude for his years of extraordinary service and the legacy he leaves behind.

Rest easy, brother. We’ll take it from here.

In Loving Memory of Chef Aaron May
1977 – 2025

With heartfelt sorrow and deep admiration, we remember and celebrate the life of Chef Aaron May, a culinary icon whose creative genius, larger-than-life personality, and unwavering generosity made him a beloved figure far beyond the kitchens he commanded.

Known for his bold flavors and even bolder spirit, Aaron was more than just a chef — he was a mentor, a storyteller, a loyal friend, and a true original. Whether crafting dishes that wowed at his award-winning restaurants or lifting up fellow chefs with his encouragement and humor, Aaron infused everything he did with passion and authenticity.

His food was unforgettable, but it was his heart that truly set him apart. He gave freely — of his time, his talent, his laughter, and his love — making everyone feel welcome, seen, and valued. He inspired countless others in the culinary world, leaving behind a legacy that is as rich and layered as the meals he so lovingly created.

Aaron’s passing leaves a profound void, but his light continues to shine in every life he touched and every dish that tells a story. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

We send our deepest love and condolences to his family, friends, and the entire culinary community.

Rest in power, Chef. You will always have a seat at our table.

Overview of the Events on July 13, 2025

Authorities are still investigating whether the assailant had any prior connection to church members. The suspect’s identity has not been released pending family notifications Devdiscourse+5The Washington Post+5WBAL+5Wikipedia+12News Channel 3-12+12The Sun+12The Sun+1WBAL+1New York Post+3LEX 18 News – Lexington, KY (WLEX)+3WBAL+3The Daily Beast+1Devdiscourse+1. Both the trooper and other victims remain hospitalized. The trooper is in stable condition, while one churchgoer and the pastor remain critical WLWT+4The Daily Beast+4WTVQ+4.

💔 In Context

• The church congregation is described as tight‑knit, with many members related or longtime friends—adding to the emotional weight of this tragedy for the local community New York Post.

• Officials including Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, U.S. Senator Rand Paul, and Attorney General Russell Coleman have expressed sorrow over the attack and gratitude to first responders, while offering condolences and prayers to all affected The Daily Beast+5The Sun+5Devdiscourse+5.

What We Know About Pastor Jerry Gumm’s Condition

• He underwent emergency surgery and is currently in critical condition in the hospital The Sun+9The Washington Post+9The Daily Beast+9.

• As of now, no further updates have been released regarding his prognosis—authorities are continuing to investigate and have yet to issue new medical statements.

• Younger relatives and community members are still awaiting updates, and officials are asking for privacy and prayers during this time.

With Profound Sadness

It is with the heaviest of hearts and unimaginable sorrow that we share the devastating news of the passing of our beloved Nico Humbert, who tragically lost his life in a sudden accident at just 21 years old.

Nico was a radiant soul — full of kindness, laughter, curiosity, and compassion. His presence lit up every room he entered, and his absence now leaves a silence that echoes in all our hearts. He was a cherished son, sibling, grandson, and friend — deeply loved by so many.

His departure has shattered our world. The pain of this loss is indescribable, and the void he leaves behind is immense. We are still trying to grasp how someone so full of life could be gone so suddenly.

We ask for your thoughts, prayers, and privacy as we navigate this overwhelming grief. Further details about a memorial or service will be shared soon.

Nico, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. Your light will live on in every life you touched.

Incident Summary – July 13, 2025

A terrifying chain of events unfolded on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Lexington, Kentucky, involving two coordinated shootings:

1. Initial Shooting Near Blue Grass Airport

   • At approximately 11:36 a.m., a Kentucky State Police trooper stopped a vehicle flagged by a license plate reader on Terminal Drive, outside the airport.

   • The suspect opened fire, critically wounding the trooper. The trooper has since been reported in stable condition The Independent+15AP News+15ABC17NEWS+15KCRA+11ABC17NEWS+11People.com+11KCRA+3People.com+3New York Post+3.

2. Carjacking and Pursuit

   • The suspect fled, carjacked another vehicle—fortunately without harming the driver—and drove about 15–16 miles to Richmond Road Baptist Church The Independent+1Wikipedia+1Axios+15WUKY+15AP News+15.

3. Church Shooting at Richmond Road Baptist

   • Upon arrival, the gunman opened fire inside the church.

   • Two women were killed:

     • Beverly Gumm, age 72

     • Christina (or Kristy) Combs, age 34 (initially misreported as 32) Wikipedia+13Axios+13WBAL-TV+13New York Post+14ABC17NEWS+14The Independent+14.

   • Two men were also injured; one remains in critical condition, the other is stable WTVQ+7People.com+7WUKY+7.

4. Police Response and Suspect Neutralized

   • Multiple law enforcement officers, including Lexington and Kentucky State Police, responded swiftly and fatally shot the suspect at the scene WPBF+3FOX 4 News Fort Myers WFTX+3News Channel 5 Nashville (WTVF)+3News Channel 5 Nashville (WTVF)+15AP News+15People.com+15.

🔍 Additional Details

• Connection to the Church: Authorities indicate the shooter may have known some of the victims or had ties to the congregation—a small, close-knit community where many members are related or longtime friends Gulf Coast News Now+7WUKY+7People.com+7.

• Official Statements:

  • Gov. Andy Beshear called for unity and prayer, saying: “Please pray for everyone affected by these senseless acts of violence, and let’s give thanks for the swift response by the Lexington Police Department and Kentucky State Police.” Gulf Coast News Now+15Axios+15WTVQ+15

  • Police Chief Lawrence Weathers expressed sorrow, noting Kentucky was shaken by violence that struck both law enforcement and people of faith New York Post+7WUKY+7AP News+7.

• Official Investigation: The Kentucky State Police’s Critical Incident Response Team and Lexington Police Public Integrity Unit are leading the investigation. All responding officers are on administrative duty pending review WUKY.

💔 Impact & Community Response

• This incident has deeply shaken Lexington—a community rooted in faith and familial bonds.

• The trooper’s stable condition provides cautious relief amid the tragedy.

• An ongoing search for motive continues, although none has been confirmed. Balancing grief with calls for healing and unity, state leaders are encouraging collective support for victims, first responders, and congregants.

Incident Overview

• On Sunday, July 13, 2025, during the Run 4 the Roses Classic/Championship girls basketball event at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, KY, reports of an “active aggressor” sparked an immediate lockdown and mass evacuation as several thousand attendees were present Kentucky Expo Center+12The Sun+12https://www.wsmv.com+12.

• Participants included over 9,000 players in tournaments such as the Run 4 the Roses Classic, Championship, EYBL, and CYBL https://www.wsmv.com.

Response & Safety Measures

• Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) responded swiftly, secured the premises, and confirmed no shots were fired, and no victims were found Spectrum News 1+4The Sun+4https://www.wsmv.com+4.

• Some individuals sustained minor injuries while fleeing, mainly due to panicked crowds, not from violence https://www.wsmv.com+1https://www.wsmv.com+1.

• Kentucky Venues, the facility operator, praised the coordinated effort between law enforcement and security, emphasizing that public safety remained the top priority https://www.wsmv.com+2The Sun+2https://www.wsmv.com+2.

Tournament Impact

• All games were halted for the day; organizers did not allow re-entry, and the facility remained closed as the situation was investigated The Sun.

• The tournament was scheduled to resume on Monday, July 14 https://www.wsmv.com+3https://www.wsmv.com+3The Sun+3.

✅ Key Takeaways

• Despite the alarming reports, fortunately no violence or injuries occurred from gunfire.

• The quick and effective response prevented potential harm.

• The incident caused extensive disruption, but organizers aimed to continue the tournament once deemed safe.

In Loving Memory of Ashlee Gumm
With profound sorrow and the deepest love, we remember and honor the life of Ashlee Gumm, whose passing has left a void in countless hearts.

Ashlee was a beacon of kindness—a rare soul whose compassion, warmth, and generosity touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her smile had a way of lighting up even the darkest days, and her presence brought comfort, joy, and a sense of peace.

She was more than a friend, a daughter, a sister, or a mother—she was a guiding light, a steady hand, and a heart always open to others. Whether through a simple gesture, a listening ear, or a laugh shared at just the right moment, Ashlee made people feel seen, heard, and loved.

Her legacy is one of grace, strength, and unwavering love. Though she may no longer walk beside us, her spirit lives on in the lives she touched and the memories she helped create.

We mourn her deeply, but we also celebrate her life—the beauty she brought into this world and the inspiration she leaves behind.

Tragedy at Richmond Road Baptist Church: Gunman Identified in Lexington Shooting That Left Three Dead and Several Injured

Authorities have officially identified the suspected gunman in the Richmond Road Baptist Church shooting as Guy E. House, a 38-year-old male. The devastating incident occurred during a church gathering and has left the Lexington community in shock and mourning.

Two of the deceased victims have been confirmed as Beverly “Gumm” Gum, 72, and Christina Combs, 32—both beloved members of the Richmond Road Baptist Church congregation. A third victim, yet to be publicly named, also lost their life. Several others sustained injuries and are receiving medical care.

This senseless act of violence has deeply shaken the congregation and surrounding community. Support services and grief counseling are being coordinated for those impacted.

For ongoing updates and additional information, please visit:
🔗 Full Story

Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this unimaginable tragedy. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, we share the heartbreaking news that Kellyanne Lytal, one of the earliest reported missing campers over the July 4th holiday, has been found deceased.

Kellyanne was a beloved daughter, friend, and community member whose adventurous spirit and kind heart touched everyone who knew her. This tragic loss has left an indescribable void in the lives of all who loved her.

We ask for privacy and compassion for her family during this unimaginably difficult time. Further details will be shared as they become available.

May her memory be a blessing, and may she rest in peace.