On March 27, 2023, nine-year-old Evelyn Marie Dieckhaus, a third-grade student at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, was one of six people killed when a former student forced their way into the school and opened fire. Other victims included two of Evelyn’s classmates, William Kinney and Hallie Scruggs, the school’s head Katherine Koonce, a substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, and a custodian Mike Hill. Some reports say Evelyn may have tried to pull a fire alarm in her final moments to warn others.

Evelyn’s family remembered her as a radiant, joyful child who loved music and composed songs on piano, guitar, and ukulele. She enjoyed singing along to Taylor Swift and Hamilton, played basketball and softball, and was described as both bold and gentle. Funeral guests were invited to wear pink and joyful colors in tribute to her.

Police identified the shooter as 28-year-old Audrey Hale, who had attended the school, was armed with multiple firearms, and was fatally shot by officers after about 14 minutes. Investigators recovered writings from Hale they later blocked from public release.