Reverend Daniel Lee Simmons, 74, was among the parishioners at a bible study at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, on the evening of June 17, 2015, when a young white man who had sat with the group opened fire. Reverend Simmons was the only victim rushed from the church to a nearby hospital, where he later died of his injuries. Reports say he moved to aid the church’s senior pastor, Clementa Pinckney, after the shooting began. His family noted that he was licensed to carry a concealed weapon but had left his gun in his car that evening.

The perpetrator was identified as Dylann Storm Roof; he was arrested the following morning in Shelby, North Carolina and later confessed, saying his motive was to incite a race war. The attack killed nine people who had welcomed him into their circle of prayer. Reverend Simmons is remembered by his family, including his son Daniel Jr. and his granddaughter Alana, whose response emphasized love and forgiveness.